What Materials Are Used to Make Softballs?

Misconception

• Despite being a called a "soft" ball, the ball is not exactly soft in nature. They are usually only called this to distinguish them from baseballs, or "hard" balls. Also, being larger in size, the balls are considered softer because they travel at a lower rate of speed.

Covering

• The balls are covered in thick leather, which is dyed white or the highly visible bright yellow. The leather is then stitched on with red thread in the figure-8 style that is typical for baseballs as well.

Kapok Core

• The core of the softball can be a variety of materials depending on the price and quality of the ball. A high-quality ball uses a kapok core, which is from fibers of the kapok tree that is grown in the tropical climates of Central America and Western Africa.

Cork and Rubber Core

• A cork and rubber core is often used as well, providing for an adequate response when struck with a bat to give the ball proper flight. This is the most common core used because the balls are still of medium quality but come with a lower, manageable price tag.

Polyurethane Core

• The third commonly used core is a polyurethane mixture, but there are also many others that can be legally used depending on which organization or league is making the regulations. Any material can be used as long as it provides good play and is approved by the league.

Yellow Covering

• The yellow, high-visibility covering has become standard among most softball leagues across the United States, as it gives players a better view of the ball when being thrown or pitched. Slow-pitch leagues are still permitted to use white balls on many occasions, but as of 2002, they have been fazed out among almost all highly competitive leagues.