New High School Softball?

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I just wanted to get everyone's take on the new softball being used in high school. I looked at it and it seemed to be very slick, the seams are a little higher(that could be good for pitchers) but most of all the outer cover is thin, very thin. I don't think they can stand too meny foul hits or pass balls to the backstop.
 
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You might go over to JJHuddle to see the thread on this exact topic. Consensus seems to be that you need to rough the ball up more than last year's, that the higher seams will indeed help the pitchers, and that covers are being blown open with some frequency during the game.
 
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I saw this thread over on the Huddle as well. While I can see peoples point about the initial slickness of the ball I have yet to see even issue with the cover "coming off the ball".

I happen to have a little more experience then most with this ball as for the past two years we have used it in every summer tournament that we hosted as well as leagues during the summer and fall. In total I would guess that close to 600 balls in all or 50 dozen. I think that if anything this is on the low side. But in any case definately more then a high school team would see in any given season. If fact we just used this ball this past saturday at the Greenville Pre-Season Shootout and there was 24 teams playing in 40 degree temperatures at best and I would guess that at least 50 new balls were used. No instance covers blowing off there, and I would consider that less then average conditions.

I have yet to see one instance of cover seperation or ball damage other then normal wear and tear on game balls that were turned into practice balls. Trust me those have gotten a major workout.

Now I am not saying that it couldn't happen, but perhaps there are other circumstances. My opinion is that under above average game situations such as high level travel ball I simply have not seen these issues.

Also, FYI this ball has been the official college ball for a while now. I have heard no such issues (of covers blowing off) from the college ranks.


JMHO
 

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