Best Baseballs 2021: Top Picks For Pitching, Catching, And More


There's a lot to factor in when looking for the best baseballs around, notably due to the large variety of brands available, all with a particular focus or purpose in mind.

Perhaps you've been playing MLB The Show 21 and fancy taking to the cage or field to practice some of the pitches you've been performing in the game, but to do that you'll need a baseball to hand.

To help your search, we put together this list, based on unique features, price, and reviews, highlighting some of the small differences that we think make each of these baseballs stand out from the crowd.

So, whether you're looking for one of the best all-round baseballs, like the Wilson A1010s Blem Baseballs, or searching for something built for catching practice, like this SPARK CATCH Baseball, then we've got you covered with this list.

Best Baseballs

Best All-Round Baseball - Wilson A1010s Blem Baseballs

Best baseballs Wilson product image of a white ball with red stitching and black writing
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Image Credit: Wilson

Brand: Wilson | Material: Leather | Pack Size: 12 Balls

You may have heard of Wilson if you're a football fan as they design some of the top American footballs like the official NFL ball "The Duke".

Based out of Chicago, Wilson also manufactures top baseball equipment like this A1010s Blem Baseball that features a synthetic leather cover to protect the ball from damage, and a red cushioned cork core designed to give this ball a good bounce to it.

The leather cover is flat stitched together which should hold the ball intact nicely regardless of how hard it's struck, thus enhancing its durability.

They come as a pack of 12 meaning you'll get plenty of practice in before having to go and retrieve the balls to train some more.

Best Baseball For Matches - Rawlings R100-H2

Best baseballs Rawlings product image of a white ball with red stitching and dark blue writing
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Image Credit: Rawlings

Brand: Rawlings | Material: Leather | Pack Size: 12 Balls

Like Wilson, Rawlings is a top name in the baseball scene as they specialise in designing high-quality equipment like this R100-H2 baseball.

It comes with a raised seem which should improve grip levels, thus making it easier to catch and to throw the perfect pitch with.

Moreover, the R100-H2 is designed to be durable thanks to the full-grain leather outer cover and something Rawlings calls Extra Innings technology which has been engineered to help the ball last 15% longer, even when faced with the top baseball bats.

All in all, the R100-H2 is a very solid option for game days across a number of age groups including High School games and adult fixtures.

Best Baseball For Beginners - Diamond Usssa Dol-1 Leather Baseballs

Best baseballs Diamond Sports product image of a white ball with red stitching and bright green writing
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Image Credit: Diamond Sports

Brand: Diamond Sports | Material: Leather | Pack Size: 12 Balls

If you're a beginner looking for a ball that is comfortable and easy to hold, yet still adheres to all the official rules of the game, then the Usssa Dol-1 might be for you.

Weighing 9oz with a 9" diameter, this baseball is evenly proportioned to help it fly true to your throw during a pitch.

It also features raised seam stitching designed to improve the grip as well as a full-grain leather coat to help improve this ball's longevity which are both key when you're just starting your baseball journey.

On the whole, the Usssa Dol-1 is a great ball for beginners but should also suit more experienced players as well.

Best Baseball For Catching - SPARK CATCH Baseball

Best baseballs SPARK CATCH product image of a white ball with red stitching and blue lighting emitting from a number of holes in the ball
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Image Credit: SPARK CATCH

Brand: SPARK CATCH | Material: Leather | Pack Size: Unspecified

As seen in the image above, this baseball comes with the unique feature of lighting up to help you keep an eye on it as it flies through the air to give you the best chance of catching it.

Although this ball comes with a gimmick, the SPARK CATCH Baseball remains the same size, weight, and feel of an official MLB ball meaning you're not sacrificing legitimacy when practicing with this item.

SPARK CATCH also boasts its baseball has been impacted tested up to 86mph with a pitching machine to help ensure its safety as well as durability when pitched at that kind of speed.

Ultimately, if you're looking for something to practice catching with to replicate the pros on your top sports TV, then the SPARK CATCH Baseball might be for you, and it also comes in four different colours as an added bonus.

Best Baseball For Catching - SKLZ Safety Baseballs

Best baseballs SKLZ product image of a white ball with thin red stitching and a black and yellow SKLZ logo
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Image Credit: SKLZ

Brand: SKLZ | Material: Leather | Pack Size: 2

Although a hardball is the norm in baseball, it can be dangerous to train with, especially in the younger leagues, which is why manufacturers like SKLZ have made these Safety Baseballs.

This set of two softballs should not only allow you to practice safely but they also come at a relatively inexpensive price which is handy when buying a ball specifically for training.

Each ball is made of a soft, foam cushioned construct designed to absorb some of the shock of a high-speed impact.

All in all, the SKLZ Safety Baseballs should help you build your confidence by reducing the fear around the impact and therefore make them a great option to practice with, particularly for beginners in the younger age groups.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baseballs

As there are a number of different types of baseballs available, you may have a number of questions surrounding them, but don't worry because we're here to clear up a few of the more common queries.

What To Look For In A Baseball?

There are a number of features to pay attention to when searching for a baseball, but ultimately what you're looking for will depend on your intended use for it.

One key feature to keep an eye on is the stitching as this can come in three types: flat which is more suited for batting practice, raised used primarily for beginners, and rolled which is what the MLB use as it allows for faster throwing due to reduced air friction.

You should also pay attention to information such as whether the ball is R.I.F which stands for reduced injury factor as these are made to be slightly softer than normal but still feel the same as a regulation ball.

How Many Balls Are Used In A Game Of Baseball?

This can vary depending on a number of different variables; however, according to an MLB equipment manager, an average of 8 to 10 dozen baseballs are used during each game.

The MLB Umpire Manuel directs that 6 dozen baseballs are prepared before each game but this number will likely be closer to 10 dozen which checks out according to the statement above.

At the minor league level and amateur level, this number will probably be smaller as each ball will likely go through far less punishment than during a professional game.

What Is The Official Size Of An MLB Baseball?

Under the current rules, an official MLB baseball will weigh around 5oz and measure around 9" in diameter.

Typically, youth baseballs follow these same guidelines except at under 8's level as they will normally use softer, safety balls instead.

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