NCAA To Switch To Flat-Seamed Balls In 2015

[Raising Heel]

This is a surprisingly long article, but here's the gist of it: switching to flat-seamed balls will reduce drag and allow the ball to travel farther when hit. The NCAA is looking to improve offensive output, especially considering last year's College World Series only saw 3 homers and the fewest runs scored (86) in CWS history dating back to 1950.



NCAA To Switch To Flat-Seamed Balls In 2015

 

[RCW1126]

Significant to this change is the fact that because the new ball's core will be wound the same as the current one's, its exit velocity off of the bat won't change...just its aerodynamics.

This is a welcome move for college baseball. It will not only add distance to well hit balls; but, it will also give pitchers the opportunity to develop professional-quality breaking balls. Those who make the move to the pro ranks from college will be better prepared to pitch to the batters they face.

Kudos to Clemson's Jack Leggett and a handful of other college coaches for spearheading the change.