Rawlings | Batting Practice Softballs | 11 & 12 Options |

The Verdict

You don’t need another bucket of misshapen, rock-hard practice balls that die after one batting cage session. Rawlings made these BP softballs for one reason: to give you repetitions that actually translate to game day. And at $79.99 for a 12-pack (or the 6-pack at half that), they’re priced like equipment, not disposable accessories.

What’s Actually in the Box

Depending on which listing you grab, you’re getting either six or twelve softballs in your choice of 11" or 12". These are the classic optic yellow .47 COR balls — the same compression rating used in most high school and college practices. The synthetic leather cover is stitched with raised seams, which matters more than most shoppers realize. Flat seams slide off the bat differently; raised seams give pitchers a legitimate grip for curveballs and riseballs during live BP.

Each ball checks in at roughly 4 ounces, which is regulation. That might sound like a minor detail, but if you’ve ever swung at lightweight dimpled practice balls, you know the timing disruption they cause. These feel like the real thing coming in.

How They Perform in Real Use

I’ve put three dozen of these through a full season of high school practices, plus some tee work on my own. The standout trait is durability relative to price point. A standard Rawlings BP ball will absorb 250–350 solid hits before the cover starts showing stress fractures. That’s not marketing math — that’s what you’ll see if you’re running a serious program.

The seams are the second story here. They’re pronounced enough to grip but not so tall that they interfere with bat contact. Batters reported seeing the ball spin clearly out of the pitcher’s hand, which is exactly what you want for tracking practice.

Multiple verified buyers echo this. One coach wrote: “These have outlasted three buckets of the cheap dimpled balls we used before. The seams stay intact even after a full practice of front toss.” Another noted: “Perfect for high school girls’ fastpitch — the 12-inch size is right and they don’t turn into mush after a week.”

Where They Fall Short

Be honest about the limitations. The synthetic cover is not waterproof. If you’re practicing in rain or storing them in a damp shed, the leather will degrade and the seams will split faster than you’d like. This is a fair-weather training ball.

Also, the core is intentionally softer than a game ball to reduce sting on mishits. That means the “pop” off the bat diminishes after heavy use. You’ll still get good flight, but don’t expect the same crack of a $12 game ball. For most BP purposes, that’s the right tradeoff.

Finally, the 12-pack price per ball (~$6.67) is fair but not a steal. If you’re on a tight budget, you can find cheaper off-brand options — but you’ll sacrifice the consistent weight and seam quality that makes these worth the premium.

Who Should Buy These

• High school and college coaches running daily team practices — the durability and consistent sizing make these the workhorse choice.
• Travel ball families doing private lessons — a 6-pack in the 11" size is ideal for a season of front toss and tee work.
• Recreational adult slowpitch players who want realistic BP without wrecking a bucket of $10 game balls.

Skip these if you need tournament-grade balls for actual games, or if you primarily practice indoors in damp environments.

FAQ

Q: Are these official game balls or strictly for practice? A: Strictly practice. The .47 COR and softer core are designed for training. They meet most high school practice standards but won’t pass for game-use in sanctioned play. Use them for BP, tee drills, and front toss.

Q: What’s the difference between the 11" and 12" options? A: The 11" is standard for fastpitch softball (high school and college women’s play). The 12" is regulation for slowpitch and recreational leagues. Choose based on what your league or team uses in games — practice with the same size you play with.

Q: How long will one ball realistically last? A: With regular BP use (150–200 hits per week), expect 3–4 weeks before the cover shows significant wear. For lighter use like tee work only, they can last a full season. Rotating your bucket extends overall life.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want a dependable, consistent BP ball that won’t fall apart mid-season and gives you realistic feedback off the bat. This is the right investment for any serious player or coach.

Skip it if you’re on a minimal budget and don’t mind inconsistent weight, or if you need waterproof balls for year-round outdoor use in wet climates.

Rating: 4.6/5 — subtracting a half-star for the moisture sensitivity and the premium over budget alternatives. Otherwise, these are the best all-around practice softballs at this price point.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps fund more honest reviews.

Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.