What is a baseball made of?

A baseball consists of a cushioned cork or rubber core, tightly wound wool yarn, and a two-piece leather cover stitched together with 108 double stitches of red thread. This construction creates a firm, durable ball.

Why are major and minor league baseballs different?

The differences in major and minor league baseballs are intentional to serve distinct purposes. They are designed for player development, to manage costs, and to provide the optimal performance and entertainment value at the professional level.

How are major and minor league baseballs different?

They differ in manufacturing location, seam height, and winding tension. MLB balls are more tightly wound with flatter seams, while Minor League balls often have raised seams for better grip and are less lively.

Are Minor League Balls Softer Than MLB Balls?

August 26 2025, by Eric St-Cyr, 9 min reading time

The question of whether Minor League baseballs are softer than those used in Major League Baseball is one that has intrigued players and fans for years. While they may appear identical at first glance, there are distinct differences in their construction and materials that can affect their performance, feel, and durability.

These subtle variations are not just a matter of happenstance; they are a direct result of the unique roles each league plays within the professional baseball ecosystem. The key takeaway is that, yes, Minor League balls are generally considered to be slightly less hard and have different performance characteristics compared to the balls used in the highest level of professional play. Keep reading to learn why there is a difference!

The Anatomy of a Baseball: From Core to Cover

To understand the differences between a Minor League and a Major League baseball, you first have to understand what a baseball is made of. The internal structure, or "pill," is a cushioned cork center wrapped in two thin layers of rubber core. This core is then tightly wound with layers of wool yarn and a final layer of cotton thread. Finally, the exterior is covered by two pieces of leather cowhide stitched together with 108 red stitching stitches using figure-8 stitching.

The quality and specifications of each of these components are what differentiate the balls. Rawlings, the official supplier of Major League Baseballs, manufactures the balls for both the MLB and the Minor League Baseball system, but at different facilities and with some key distinctions.

Buy quality baseballs online

The Key Differences Between a Major and Minor League Ball: A Closer Look

While the basic construction is the same, the devil is in the details. The differences in material quality and manufacturing standards can significantly impact a ball's behavior.

Manufacturing Location and Materials

Major League Baseball: MLB baseballs are made in a Rawlings' plant in Costa Rica. The leather cowhide is a very specific, top-tier aniline-tanned leather sourced from a tannery in Tullahoma, Tennessee. These hides are meticulously inspected for imperfections. The core is a tightly wound cork center.
Minor League Baseball: Minor League balls are produced in a different factory in China. While they still use a leather cover, the quality of the hide is generally considered to be slightly lower than what is used for the MLB ball. The cork core is also slightly different, a pure-cork center as opposed to the compressed-cork center of the MLB ball.

Coefficient Of Restitution (COR) and Performance

The Coefficient Of Restitution (COR) is a measure of a ball's bounciness, or how much energy it retains after a collision. Both MLB and Minor League balls must meet certain specifications, but there are still performance differences.

MLB Balls: The tighter winding and higher-quality materials of the MLB ball result in a higher COR. This means the ball retains more energy when hit, which translates to higher exit velocities and a greater distance on home runs.
Minor League Balls: Due to the slightly different construction, particularly the cork center, Minor League balls have a slightly lower COR. In a 2000 study, it was found that under the same conditions, a batted Minor League ball would travel about 8 feet less than a comparable MLB ball. This difference is also a factor in the ball's flight path.

Raised-Seam vs. Flat-Seam Stitching

Another noticeable difference is the seam height. This is a crucial element for pitchers and a point of much debate among players.

MLB Balls: The seams on a Major League baseball are flatter, or "rolled," into the ball. This is done to reduce air friction, which allows for higher velocities and more unpredictable movement on pitches, something that can be advantageous to a pitcher with sharp pitching mechanics.
Minor League Balls: Balls used in the minors, particularly at the lower levels, often feature more pronounced, raised-seam stitching. This provides pitchers with a better grip, which is beneficial for young players still working on their skill development. While useful for learning, this raised seam can cause more air resistance, potentially affecting the ball's speed and movement.

How many baseballs are used in an MLB game?

Why are Baseballs Different for Different Leagues?

The intentional differences in the baseballs used by Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball are not random; they serve specific purposes related to player development, cost management, and the overall integrity of the sport at each level. While both leagues use a cushioned cork center, wool yarn, and a leather cover, the subtle variations are crucial for the player's journey from the minors to the majors.

Player Development and Transition

The primary purpose of Minor League Baseball is to serve as a farm system for MLB clubs. The balls are designed to facilitate the development of fundamental skills. For instance, the raised-seam stitching on lower-level minor league balls can help young pitchers like those in school teams or youth leagues to better grip the ball and learn proper pitching mechanics, which is a critical skill before reaching the big leagues.

As players progress through the ranks, the ball specifications get closer to those of the MLB, helping players adapt to the subtle but important differences in feel and performance

Performance and Entertainment

Major League Baseball is the pinnacle of the sport, and the balls are designed for optimal performance and entertainment. The tightly wound cork center and flatter seams on MLB balls result in a higher Coefficient Of Restitution, leading to higher exit velocities and more home runs.

This "juiced" effect is intentional, as it contributes to the excitement of the game for fans. In the minors, the focus is less on statistical output and more on the pure development of a player's skills, making the subtle differences in the ball’s liveliness a non-issue.

Player Safety and Injury Prevention

While all professional baseballs are designed with safety in mind, the subtle differences between them can play a role in player safety. The softer composition of some lower-level minor league balls can be slightly more forgiving. This is particularly beneficial for players who are still developing their fielding skills.

While the ultimate goal is for players to handle any ball, a less lively ball can, in some cases, reduce the force of impact. This is an important consideration for players in travel leagues and recreational leagues who may not have access to the same level of protective gear as professional athletes.

Guide to different types of baseballs by age group

How to Choose the Right Ball for You

Choosing the right baseball is critical for players of all ages and skill levels, from those just starting in tee-ball to seasoned athletes in recreational leagues or travel leagues. Using the correct ball can aid in skill development and prevent injury.

Age and Skill Level: Younger players should start with softer, lighter balls like RIF baseballs (Reduced Injury Factor) or those with a synthetic rubber or foam core. As players advance, they can transition to a standard cork-core ball.
Purpose of Use: Are you using it for batting practice with aluminum baseball bats or for a game? For practice, a more durable synthetic leather ball may be more cost-effective. For games, you'll want a ball that meets the league's specifications.
Fielding vs. Pitching: A ball with raised-seam stitching can be a great training gear for pitchers to work on their grip and learn different pitches. For infielders, a smoother ball can help them practice catching and throwing without the added friction of high seams.
Training and Drills: Specific training balls like weighted balls are excellent for velocity gains and improving shoulder strength, but they are not for game use. Similarly, a pitching machine may require a specific type of ball to prevent damage to the machine or the ball itself.
Budget: Official Major League Baseball balls are expensive. For most practices and recreational use, a less expensive synthetic leather covered ball or a standard leather-covered ball from a reputable manufacturer will suffice.

Find your perfect baseball at Baseball360

Buy Baseballs and More at Baseball 360

At Baseball360, we're your one-stop shop for everything you need to play the game you love. We offer a comprehensive range of equipment, from high-performance bats and gloves to top-of-the-line protective gear.

Our wide range of equipment includes: