Odd Looking Baseball Questions

[aelefson]

Hi-
I recently purchased the ball pictured below, and I have a few questions regarding it. Is this a baseball? It has divots like a golf ball and it has the letter S on one side and A on the other with some letters surrounding the A that I cannot make out. It is also harder than a baseball and the surface is some sort of plastic or other material that cracks. Has anyone seen a ball like this before? What was it used for?

Thanks,
Alan

[gashouse34]

Looks similar to a batting cage ball

[MK]

Yes, they are used in pitching machines.

[Scott Garner]

Exactly!

[aelefson]

Thank you! I really appreciate knowing for certain what it is.

Thanks again,
Alan

[batsballsbases]

Hi Alan,
Yep a pitching machine ball. When you use real baseballs in the pitching machine they tend to make the covers and stitches real loose after awhile. when the wheels send them out. Then the balls feel like mush and are ruined. So they made these balls out of a plastic like cover so you dont have that problem. Usually come in yellow color also!!

[aelefson]

Thanks Al! I was thinking about posting the question of why regular baseballs were not used in pitching machines. Thanks again for the information.

Alan