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9 Best Baseballs For Pitching Machine In 2023

For a while now, pitching machines have been a valuable part of baseball training routines and an essential tool in developing batting skills.

While nothing can replace a live arm, a pitching machine is definitely a great asset for any coach.

Still, to be able to fully utilize the pitching machine benefits, you have to use it the right way.

This includes using the proper baseballs, specifically designed for this purpose.

However, with so many different types and brands of pitching machine baseballs available, it can be difficult to find the ones that will serve you the best,

To make your decision a bit easier, I’ve compiled a list of the best baseballs for pitching machine and explained the benefits and downsides each of them brings.

So, let’s dive in!

1, Overall Top Pick
Tebery 12 Pack Yellow Dimpled Baseballs, 9-Inch Pitching Machine Baseballs for...
2. Runner Up
Rawlings | ULTIMATE PRACTICE TECHNOLOGY Baseballs | Pitching Machine | RUP-PM |...
3. Runner Up
Heater Pitching Machine Baseballs by The Dozen
4. Runner Up
Jugs Lite-Flite Baseballs (One Dozen) , Optic Yellow , 9-inch
5. Runner Up
Heater [12 Pack] Sports PowerAlley 80 MPH Lite Balls & Trend Sports Sandlot 40...
Tebery 12 Pack Yellow Dimpled Baseballs, 9-Inch Pitching Machine Baseballs for...
Rawlings | ULTIMATE PRACTICE TECHNOLOGY Baseballs | Pitching Machine | RUP-PM |...
Heater Pitching Machine Baseballs by The Dozen
Jugs Lite-Flite Baseballs (One Dozen) , Optic Yellow , 9-inch
Heater [12 Pack] Sports PowerAlley 80 MPH Lite Balls & Trend Sports Sandlot 40...
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
1, Overall Top Pick
Tebery 12 Pack Yellow Dimpled Baseballs, 9-Inch Pitching Machine Baseballs for...
Tebery 12 Pack Yellow Dimpled Baseballs, 9-Inch Pitching Machine Baseballs for...
Amazon Prime
2. Runner Up
Rawlings | ULTIMATE PRACTICE TECHNOLOGY Baseballs | Pitching Machine | RUP-PM |...
Rawlings | ULTIMATE PRACTICE TECHNOLOGY Baseballs | Pitching Machine | RUP-PM |...
Amazon Prime
3. Runner Up
Heater Pitching Machine Baseballs by The Dozen
Heater Pitching Machine Baseballs by The Dozen
Amazon Prime
4. Runner Up
Jugs Lite-Flite Baseballs (One Dozen) , Optic Yellow , 9-inch
Jugs Lite-Flite Baseballs (One Dozen) , Optic Yellow , 9-inch
Amazon Prime
5. Runner Up
Heater [12 Pack] Sports PowerAlley 80 MPH Lite Balls & Trend Sports Sandlot 40...
Heater [12 Pack] Sports PowerAlley 80 MPH Lite Balls & Trend Sports Sandlot 40...
Amazon Prime

Last update on 2023-08-31 at 06:46 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Tebery 12 Pack Dimpled Baseballs

Sale
Tebery 12 Pack Yellow Dimpled Baseballs, 9-Inch Pitching Machine Baseballs for...
  • These pitching machines baseball are dimple molded, quality polyurethane plastic balls for player safety during use and...
  • Easy to see and track with the bright color when the sun starts to set, lightweight enough that won’t cause damage.
  • Ideal size for taking some fast pitch baseball batting or fielding practice so you’re fully ready when game day comes.
  • One dozen balls for plenty of batting fun at the field or in the backyard. Come in a reusable mesh bag with drawstring...
  • Won't dent aluminum bats, specifically designed for use with pitching machines. Great For Perfecting Hand-Eye...

Last update on 2023-08-31 at 06:46 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The first on my list is the 12-pack set of dimple-molded baseballs from Tebery.

The balls are made of high-quality polyurethane which makes them strong enough to ensure their durability and lightweight enough to provide safety for everyone in the batting cages during practices.

The bright yellow color makes sure that the ball remains clearly visible even during late evening practices.

With a circumference of 9 inches and the same weight as regulation baseballs, Tebery pitching machine baseballs  provide a genuine feel of batting the real thing.

Plus, there’s no bat shock when hitting these balls, so they won’t damage even some of the less durable aluminum bats.

On top of it all, the set of 12 balls comes in a handy reusable mesh bag with a drawstring.

Positive
  • affordable
  • lightweight and durable
  • size and weight of the regulation baseball
  • the bright yellow color ensures you see the ball even in poor visibility conditions
Negative
  • may not work with every pitching machine
  • some users won’t like that they’re a bit softer than some other dimpled balls

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Rawlings Ultimate Practice Technology Baseball

Rawlings | ULTIMATE PRACTICE TECHNOLOGY Baseballs | Pitching Machine | RUP-PM |...
  • IDEAL FOR ALL BASEBALL PLAYERS, these 1 Dozen Ultimate Practice Technology baseballs are designed to have a game-like...
  • DESIGNED TO BE USED IN A PITCHING MACHINE, these baseballs are suitable for practice use
  • INCREASED LIFESPAN - 3x more durable than a traditional baseball
  • MOLDED COVER MINIMIZED WEIGHT GAIN due to moisture
  • IMPROVED CONSISTENCY - manufacturing process creates uniformity of seams, cover, and ball weight

Last update on 2023-08-31 at 06:46 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

For those who spend most of their days working on their batting skills, RUP-PM pitching machine baseballs from Rawlings may be just what they need.

Made of synthetic material, these balls will provide you with a game feel while at practice.

The balls are designed to look like the real thing, but with uniform flat seams and cover to make sure they work for pitching machines.

While mimicking regulation baseballs in looks and feel, Rawlings practice balls  can last three times longer and withstand numerous hits, no matter the conditions on the practice field.

This is mostly thanks to the molded cover which provides durability but also protects the ball from gaining weight due to moisture.

The package includes 12 pitching machine baseballs.

Positive
  • game-like feel
  • 3 times the durability compared to traditional baseballs
  • each ball comes with uniform seams, cover, and weight for better consistency during practice
Negative
  • fairly expensive
  • the package doesn’t include a bag for easier storage

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Heater Pitching Machine Baseballs by The Dozen

Sale
Heater Pitching Machine Baseballs by The Dozen
  • 1 DOZEN BASEBALLS - This Listing Is For 1 Dozen Yellow Dimpled Baseball By Heater Sports For Use In Real Ball Pitching...
  • SAFE FOR ALUMINUM BATS - Heater Yellow Dimpled Baseballs Won't Dent Aluminum Bats | Thousands Sold & Always Reliable.
  • EXTREMELY ACCURATE - Heater Dimpled Balls Are Designed With Accuracy In Mind, When Used In Pitching Machines, These Are...
  • POLYURETHANE MATERIAL - Made From High Grade Polyurethane, These Baseballs Are Perfectly Constructed At The Factory To...
  • OPTIC YELLOW IN COLOR - Train Your Hand/Eye Coordination To Pick Up The Pitch Location With This Optic Yellow Color,...

Last update on 2023-08-31 at 06:46 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If the thing you most care about when practicing batting with pitching machines is accuracy, then Heater’s pitching machine baseballs may be the perfect solution for you.

The balls are designed to fly within 6 inches of the desired pitch location, which is important when working on particular details of your batting skills.

Besides being accurate, Heater's yellow dimpled balls  are very durable, reliable, produce minimum vibration, and are safe for use, even with aluminum bats.

With a 9-inch circumference and weighing 5 ounces, these balls feel like real baseballs on contact, so you know that all that training will pay off in the game.

The balls are packaged by the dozen, with each ball featuring the exact same shape, weight, and size.

Positive
  • very accurate
  • safe for aluminum bats
  • minimum vibration on the hit
Negative
  • too heavy for some pitching machines
  • some users have complained about poor customer service

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Jugs Lite-Flite Baseballs

Jugs Lite-Flite Baseballs (One Dozen) , Optic Yellow , 9-inch
670 Reviews
Jugs Lite-Flite Baseballs (One Dozen) , Optic Yellow , 9-inch
  • Designed specifically to be used with the JUGS Lite-Flite Machine
  • Their sponge-like texture makes them safe for indoor hitting without a batting cage
  • Same size as a regulation baseball...comes in Optic Yellow
  • Weighs just ounces
  • Players see a realistic pitch but do not get stung by the ball…makes the JUGS Lite-Flite ideal for offensive and...

Last update on 2023-08-31 at 06:46 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Jugs is one of the most reputable manufacturers of pitching machines and many users also opt for their brand-name practice baseballs.

Designed specifically for use with their machines, Jugs’ Lite-Flite baseballs are perfect for players of all ages, both amateur and professional.

The spongy structure makes them rather soft, meaning that they’re safe and suitable for use both outdoors and indoors, in the batting cages.

Jugs Lite-Flite Baseball  features the same as the regulation baseball and provides realistic pitches but without the sting, you may feel when you hit the traditional ball.

This also means that Lite-Flite ball can be used for both practicing both offense and defense.

Besides being used with Jugs pitching machines, these balls can also serve for a toss or tee drills.

Positive
  • great for beginners
  • realistic pitches with no sting
  • safe for use both indoors and outdoors
Negative
  • too light which may be an issue in windy conditions

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Heater Sports [12 Pack] PowerAlley Lite Baseballs

Heater [12 Pack] Sports PowerAlley 80 MPH Lite Balls & Trend Sports Sandlot 40...
  • PITCHES UP TO 80 MPH WITH HEATER SPORTS LITE BALL AND REAL BALL PITCHING MACHINES - Perfect Your Swing While Pitching...
  • PITCHES UP TO 40 MPH WITH TREND SPORTS SANDLOT PRO 4-IN-1 PITCHING MACHINE - The Recommended Ball For the Sandlot Pro...
  • 9" REGULATION SIZE - PowerAlley 80 MPH Lite Balls Are Regulation Baseball Sized & Weigh 1.2 Ounces To Generate Fast...
  • PERFECT YOUR HAND/EYE COORDINATION - The Optic Green Color Helps Your Eye Pick Up The Ball From The Pitch So You Can...
  • SAFE AND DURABLE - PowerAlley 80 MPH Lite Balls Are Extremely Safe & Will Last Years So You Can Feel Assured of The...

Last update on 2023-08-31 at 06:46 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The second product from Heater Sports on my list, and, again, it’s more than worthy of your attention, especially if you have a pitching machine by the same company.

These balls work best when used for either Heater PowerAlley or Sandlot Pro 4-in-1 pitching machine.

This means that depending on the machine you can practice hitting pitches that go up to 80 or 40 mph, which makes these balls suitable for practice at various age groups.

The size of the Heater Sports Lite Baseball  is the same as the regulation baseball, but it weighs significantly less, at only 1.2 ounces.

Being this light makes these balls perfectly safe, especially combined with the optic green color for better visibility and the improvement of hand-eye coordination.

Positive
  • safe and durable
  • fast out of the machine
  • the optic green color helps hand-eye coordination
Negative
  • optimal performance only with certain pitching machines

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Rawlings Official Training Baseballs

Sale
Rawlings | FLAT SEAM Pitching Machine Training Baseballs | ROPM | Leather Cover...
32 Reviews
Rawlings | FLAT SEAM Pitching Machine Training Baseballs | ROPM | Leather Cover...
  • 12 leather baseballs for batting practice
  • Designed for use in baseball pitching machines
  • Wound cork and rubber centers
  • Full-grain leather covers
  • Durable, flat Kevlar seams

Last update on 2023-08-31 at 06:46 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Unlike most other products on my list that are made only of synthetic materials, plastic or rubber, these balls from Rawlings feature a leather cover making them much closer to the real feel of hitting a traditional baseball.

The similarities with the regulation balls do not stop here. Rawlings Training Baseballs  also have wound cork and rubber centers.

The seams are flat and Kevlar-stitched for more durability, especially when practicing in unfavorable weather conditions.

All this makes these balls perfect for training purposes, particularly since they have the same size and weight as a game baseball.

This means that after loading them into the pitching machine, you’ll be able to experience pitches that are very similar to what you would hit in real-game situations.

Positive
  • flat, Kevlar-stitched seams
  • wound cork and rubber center
  • cover made of full-grain leather
Negative
  • a bit overpriced
  • not for use in moist conditions

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

MacGregor Dimpled Baseballs

Sale
MacGregor Dimpled Baseballs, Yellow, 9-inch (One Dozen)
  • 9" Baseball size
  • Soft, durable yellow polyurethane
  • Designed safe for aluminum bats

Last update on 2023-08-31 at 06:46 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Made of soft yellow polyurethane, MacGregor’s dimpled baseballs are perfect for those who want to practice batting without worrying about getting hit or damaging their aluminum bats.

In addition, as they are much softer than regular baseball, they won’t sting as much when hit outside the sweet spot.

MacGregor Dimpled Baseballs  also have a little give to them which can contribute to developing a better feel for the hit when developing baseball skills.

Even though they’re more lightweight than regulation baseballs, they have a rather consistent trajectory flying out of the pitching machine and minimal side-to-side variation between different pitches.

This allows players to more easily plan their batting drills and get more reps on similar swings.

The package contains 12 balls and is among the most affordable on our list.

Positive
  • consistent location of pitches
  • safe for use in any environment
  • among the cheapest pitching machine baseballs
Negative
  • the coloring may coat the machine and gloves and bats
  • not suitable for some of the most popular pitching machines

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

PowerNet Launch F-lite Ultra Light Dimpled Practice Balls

PowerNet Launch F-lite Ultra Light Dimpled Practice Balls Coaching Bucket Bundle...
  • 24 PACK; Two dozen practice balls included; Designed to be used with the PowerNet Launch F-lite Portable Pitching...
  • LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN; Specially designed to fly fast and simulate real life pitches; Weighs 3.2 ounces
  • REGULATION SOFTBALL SIZE BALL; Same size as a regular softball but without the seams for improved accuracy
  • CONSTRUCTION; Durable yet will not damage composite, aluminum or wood bats
  • PADDED LID; Take this bucket with you anywhere on or around the field; The soft and durable padding offers a comfortable...

Last update on 2023-08-31 at 06:46 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

No matter if you play baseball or softball, PowerNet’s got you covered.

Their F-Lite ultra-light dimpled machine balls  come in two sizes: 9 inches for baseball and 12 inches for softball.

The softball bucket bundle features two dozen of practice softballs, while the baseball package comes with 48 balls.

Both variants are designed for use with the PowerNet Launch F-lite Portable Pitching Machine and are designed to fly fast and provide the feel of real pitches.

Each type of ball is of the exact size as the ball in their respective sports, but without seams to ensure more straight trajectory out of the machine.

The bucket that the balls come in is a nice touch as it provides a convenient storage option and allows you to carry balls with you around the field.

Positive
  • lightweight design
  • convenient bucket packaging
  • options for both baseball and softball
  • won’t damage the bat no matter the material
Negative
  • not very durable
  • designed only for use with PowerNet Launch pitching machines

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Heater Sports Pitching Machine Baseballs

Heater Sports 2 Count 1 Dozen Heater Pitching Machine Baseballs (2 Dozen Total)...
  • 2 Count Heater Sports 1 Dozen Heater Pitching Machine Baseballs (2 Dozen Total).
  • Regulation Weighted Baseballs For Use With Heater Real Baseball Machines.
  • Durable Polyurethane Composition and Safe for use with Aluminum Bats.
  • Great For Perfecting Hand-Eye Coordination, Hitting and Fielding Practice.

Last update on 2023-08-31 at 06:46 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Obviously, Heater Sports is the most mentioned name on my list, and this is their third product to earn my recommendation.

It’s another option featuring yellow dimpled balls, specifically constructed to be used with Heater Real Baseball Machines.

Made from high-quality polyurethane, Heater Sports Pitching Machine Baseballs they feature the same size and weight as regulation baseballs but are much safer for use with aluminum bats.

Additionally, they provide a pinpoint accuracy on the pitches, without variations that come with practicing with a live arm.

This makes them a great addition to both hitting and fielding practices, as well as perfecting hand-eye coordination.

The optic yellow color further improves visibility and the player’s ability to track the pitch.

The balls are sold in a double package containing 24 pitch machine baseballs.

Positive
  • great accuracy
  • can be used with aluminum bats
  • made of a durable polyurethane
Negative
  • could be a bit cheaper

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Buying Guide For Pitching Machine Baseballs

Batter in the batting cage tries to hit a ball.

The easiest way to damage the machine is by using practice baseballs that are not suitable for that machine.

Therefore, you have to pay particular attention to what type of pitching machine baseballs you’re buying.

The main things you should consider are the material and the type and size of pitching machine baseballs.

Material

The most common material is polyurethane or similar synthetic material, typically used for dimpled balls, which are called that way because of the dimples spread around their surface.

The other, rarer, material is leather.

These are the balls that pretty much look like regulation balls, except that they don’t have raised seams as that could damage the machine.

Type and Size

The three main types are mini, lite, and “real” practice baseballs.

Mini balls are approximately the size of a golf ball and their main role is to perfect hand-eye coordination.

Lite balls are the same size as traditional baseballs but more lightweight and usually dimpled.

Finally, “real” baseballs are only called that as they have the same size and weight as standard balls.

They should provide the batting experience as close as possible to the real thing.

Can You Use Regular Baseballs in a Pitching Machine?

Technically, some pitching machines can pitch regulation baseballs.

However, using real baseballs is not recommended as there are several ways they can damage the machine and, in addition, this is a sure way to ruin the ball itself.

The seams may wear down the wheels on the machine more quickly and the paint can come off the baseball onto the wheels making them too slick to properly grip the ball.

Also, due to the raised seams, using traditional baseball in a pitching machine will result in wildly inaccurate pitches.

Can You Hit Dimpled Balls with a Composite Bat?

There’s nothing stopping you from hitting a dimpled ball with a composite bat, but if you are about your bat, you shouldn’t be doing that.

Dimpled balls are commonly made of rubber or polyurethane.

This means that their weight differs, and, more importantly, they compress differently compared to standard baseballs.

Therefore, you’re much more likely to crack a composite bat when hitting a dimpled baseball than a traditional one.

When that happens, your composite bat is probably done for.

In fact, it’s best that you never use your game bat, no matter the material, when practicing with a pitching machine.

1, Overall Top Pick
Tebery 12 Pack Yellow Dimpled Baseballs, 9-Inch Pitching Machine Baseballs for...
2. Runner Up
Rawlings | ULTIMATE PRACTICE TECHNOLOGY Baseballs | Pitching Machine | RUP-PM |...
3. Runner Up
Heater Pitching Machine Baseballs by The Dozen
4. Runner Up
Jugs Lite-Flite Baseballs (One Dozen) , Optic Yellow , 9-inch
5. Runner Up
Heater [12 Pack] Sports PowerAlley 80 MPH Lite Balls & Trend Sports Sandlot 40...
Tebery 12 Pack Yellow Dimpled Baseballs, 9-Inch Pitching Machine Baseballs for...
Rawlings | ULTIMATE PRACTICE TECHNOLOGY Baseballs | Pitching Machine | RUP-PM |...
Heater Pitching Machine Baseballs by The Dozen
Jugs Lite-Flite Baseballs (One Dozen) , Optic Yellow , 9-inch
Heater [12 Pack] Sports PowerAlley 80 MPH Lite Balls & Trend Sports Sandlot 40...
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
1, Overall Top Pick
Tebery 12 Pack Yellow Dimpled Baseballs, 9-Inch Pitching Machine Baseballs for...
Tebery 12 Pack Yellow Dimpled Baseballs, 9-Inch Pitching Machine Baseballs for...
Amazon Prime
2. Runner Up
Rawlings | ULTIMATE PRACTICE TECHNOLOGY Baseballs | Pitching Machine | RUP-PM |...
Rawlings | ULTIMATE PRACTICE TECHNOLOGY Baseballs | Pitching Machine | RUP-PM |...
Amazon Prime
3. Runner Up
Heater Pitching Machine Baseballs by The Dozen
Heater Pitching Machine Baseballs by The Dozen
Amazon Prime
4. Runner Up
Jugs Lite-Flite Baseballs (One Dozen) , Optic Yellow , 9-inch
Jugs Lite-Flite Baseballs (One Dozen) , Optic Yellow , 9-inch
Amazon Prime
5. Runner Up
Heater [12 Pack] Sports PowerAlley 80 MPH Lite Balls & Trend Sports Sandlot 40...
Heater [12 Pack] Sports PowerAlley 80 MPH Lite Balls & Trend Sports Sandlot 40...
Amazon Prime

Last update on 2023-08-31 at 06:46 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Conclusion

Hopefully, this list narrows down your choice a bit when it comes to shopping for pitching machine balls.

Above is the group of the best baseballs for pitching machine and you’ll hardly go wrong with any of them.

Still, my pick of the bunch is Tebery pitching machine baseballs .

These balls provide a great value for your money, are very durable, and deliver the genuine feel of hitting the standard baseball.

Still, remember to, no matter which product you choose, always check the pitching machine instruction to make sure you got the baseballs that work with that type of machine.

Paul Hall
Paul Hall

Hello, I’m Paul, a 45 year old passionate baseball fan and the owner of this website. I hope my article could help to answer your questions.

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