The Effects of Cold on Softballs

The quality and condition of sporting equipment are integral aspects of any sporting event. If you are playing softball, the state of the ball will directly affect the performance of the ball and the bat you use. When the temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the interior and exterior of the ball will be adversely affected. So, before you head out to play a game, take these things into consideration.

  1. Exterior

    • The exterior of the softball changes with the temperature. When temperatures dip below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius), the ball's exterior shell tightens and hardens. This causes the ball to lose its elasticity and give that allow for the energy needed to bounce off a surface. When you bat the softball, it will not have the normal buoyancy and the ball will not go as far as it typically would.

    Interior

    • Low temperatures also affect the internal structure of the ball. Cold makes the inside of the ball denser, especially in the case of balls with the new construction called compacted core. Optimal ball performance goes down when the temperature drops.

    Damage

    • There is a higher chance of damaging your bat if you strike the ball in cold weather. With the increase of tightness, hardness and density, the ball may dent or crack your bat as you strike it. This is something that no ball player wants to happen. To help prevent this bat damage, keep the balls warm.