Introduction to College Baseball Balls
College baseball is a popular sport among student-athletes and fans alike. As with any sport, the equipment used plays an integral part in the performance and safety of the players. In baseball, the ball is the most important piece of equipment, and college baseball balls have certain specifications that set them apart from other levels of play.
What Balls Does College Baseball Use?
College baseball teams use a variety of balls, depending on the level of play and the type of game. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) each have their own rules for what type of ball should be used in their respective games.
NCAA Baseball Balls
The NCAA specifies that the balls used in college baseball must meet certain standards. The ball must be white with a raised seam, have a diameter between 2.875 inches and 2.927 inches, and weigh between 5 and 5.25 ounces. The NCAA also requires that the center of the ball be made of cork, rubber or a mixture of both.
NAIA Baseball Balls
The NAIA also requires that the balls used in college baseball games meet certain standards. The ball must be white with a raised seam, have a diameter between 2.875 inches and 2.927 inches, and weigh between 5 and 5.25 ounces. The NAIA also requires that the center of the ball be made of cork, rubber or a mixture of both.
Types of College Baseball Balls
There are a few different types of college baseball balls that are used at different levels of play.
- Major League Baseballs – Major League Baseballs (MLB) are the most commonly used type of college baseball ball. They are made of cork, rubber, and yarn and are white with red stitching. They are also the heaviest type of baseball, weighing between 5 and 5.25 ounces.
- Minor League Baseballs – Minor League Baseballs (MiLB) are used in college baseball games at the lower levels of play. They are made of cork, rubber, and yarn and are white with red stitching. They are slightly lighter than MLBs, weighing between 4.75 and 5 ounces.
- Softballs – Softballs are used in college baseball games at the lower levels of play. They are made of cork, rubber, and yarn and are yellow with red stitching. They are the lightest type of baseball, weighing between 4.5 and 5 ounces.
Advantages of Using College Baseball Balls
Using college baseball balls has several advantages.
- It ensures that all players are using the same type of ball.
- It ensures that the ball is the proper size and weight for the level of play.
- It ensures that the ball is made of the proper materials.
- It helps to keep costs down by using a standardized ball.
Disadvantages of Using College Baseball Balls
Using college baseball balls also has some disadvantages.
- The balls may not be as durable as other types of balls.
- The balls may not perform as well as other types of balls.
- The balls may be more expensive than other types of balls.
- The balls may not be available in all areas.
Where to Buy College Baseball Balls
College baseball balls can be purchased from a variety of sources. They can be purchased from major sporting goods stores, online retailers, and from the NCAA or NAIA.
Conclusion
College baseball balls are an important piece of equipment for college baseball teams. The NCAA and NAIA have specific requirements for the type of ball that should be used in college baseball games. There are a few different types of college baseball balls that are used at different levels of play. There are advantages and disadvantages to using college baseball balls, and they can be purchased from a variety of sources.