Plastic Baseballs & Softballs

Plastic baseballs and softballs are primarily for practice, recreational play, batting cages, or youth training where durability, indoor use, lower impact, and lower cost are priorities compared with leather or core competition balls

Select the ball based on intended use and age group: standard baseball-sized plastic balls mimic adult baseballs, while plastic softballs are larger and heavier for softball drills; manufacturers list diameter and weight so match those specs to your training goals and the bat or pitching machine you’ll use

Many plastic balls are designed with lower hardness and lighter weight to reduce injury risk and are suitable for indoor practice, but check product details for impact rating and intended age range and avoid hard-edged or very dense models near fragile indoor items

Durability depends on material quality and usage; solid or hard-plastic balls last longer under repeated batting and pitching, while hollow or soft-bodied balls wear faster; factors include UV exposure, repeated impact, and storage conditions

Many plastic balls are compatible with pitching machines and standard bats, but verify manufacturer compatibility for weight, diameter, and construction to avoid damaging equipment or altering performance

Rinse off dirt with water, avoid harsh solvents, dry thoroughly, and store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight to prevent warping, discoloration, or material degradation

Plastic practice balls typically range from budget options under $20 for single or basic packs to higher-quality multi-packs or specialty training balls that cost more; average category prices for packaged sets are moderate