Because batting cage balls are essential components of baseball training equipment, a few top manufacturers have gone the extra mile to ensure durability while creating different sizes and textures to help players improve upon their swings. It’s important to note that not all pitching machine balls are the same, as they’re designed to produce different results in accordance to relevant age groups and skill levels.
Compatibility is also an issue that needs to be addressed before placing an order; for example, high-seam balls can cause damage to the tires on some machines as to where low-seam batting cage balls can be used in most every machine on the market. Through trial and error, many coaches have learned to stick with the recommended ball brands for each machine respectively.
Atec Sports furnishes a wide variety baseballs, softballs, wiffle balls and dimpled balls for situational hitting. The WTAT60300 SFT Balls are sold by the dozen and recommended for the PowerStreak machine. Primarily used to increase hand to eye coordination skills, they measure in at 5 inches and are 30 percent lighter than regulation weight. By practicing with these undersized batting cage balls, a standard game-sized ball will appear the size of a grapefruit and be much easier to make solid contact.
Atec’s regulation size Leather Pitching Machine Baseball 0403 bears a stark contrast to the 5 inch model and comes with a cushioned cork center for increased durability, but also for the distinct sound that it makes when belting the ball dead-center. Making a solid connection on the sweet spot produces a crack-of-the-bat sound, which is a confidence booster by itself.
Many of the newer machine models are equipped to handle a variety of dimpled baseballs. These types of batting cage balls are especially designed to extend the longevity of baseball pitching machines, not to mention expanding the shelf-life of wooden bats.
The Heater™ Sandlot Pro Dimple Real Pitching Machine Baseballs are compatible with other machines as well, and their polyurethane construction helps to prevent wear-and-tear. The Sandlot Pros are both regulation size and weight, which gives hitters more of a natural feel when standing in the box. Available in 6-packs, they come with a 30 day refundable guarantee and a full year warranty.
Franklin Sports Dimple Training Balls are sold by the dozen; these batting cage balls can also be used in most machine models. Measuring at 73 mm, the Franklin’s are also designed to optimize coordination skills. Made from a mixture of polyethylene-based materials, these particular balls are able to withstand fluctuating weather conditions while keeping their shape intact and maintaining density.
Assorted models of Jugs pitching machine baseballs are available in abundance. The Bulldog Polyballs are usually set up for close range delivery designed to increase reaction time, and they can be used in any machine. Also highly visible in bright yellow, the Bulldog batting cage balls can be used for indoor or outdoor practices.
The Jugs Sting Free Yellow Dimpled Baseballs are extremely resilient while taking the sting away from the hands of the hitter. Available in white or optic yellow, they come with a one year guarantee and will not dent or damage aluminum bats.
Another one of the popular models is the Jugs Pearl Baseball. Being the first leather baseball designed for pitch machine use, the Pearl has a reputation for lasting up to five years longer than its competition. The Pearl also has cushioned cork at its center and leather housing stitched with wool seams.
These particular batting cage balls have helped hitters of all ages improve their timing and overall baseball hitting techniques, the next generation of hitters have the satisfaction of knowing that all the hard work and practice is paying off.
