Why aren't softballs roughed up like baseballs

[schwabach]

My daughter used to hate brand new softballs since they are a bit slippery and would rough up new balls if given a chance.

Why aren't softballs rubbed with baseball mud as are all baseballs?

 

[BRsoftballDad]

My DD's high school team roughs them up before each game. That is one of the freshman duties....go over to the bullpen and rub them in the dirt.

 

[John T]

Same with our HS team. We rough them up before every game. Use a tack cloth on them as well

 

[Top_Notch]

My daughter is a pitcher. During playoff so many balls were lost brand new ones were given to her to pitch. I could tell she didn't like the feel. She bent down and scrubbed them on the dirt between pitches. I'm not sure that is acceptable but luckily no one said anything. Maybe she should just put a nail file in her pocket a la Joe Niekro!

 

[nixxy311]

We had gotten a newer ball during a game a season ago and our pitcher immediately took it and started to scuff it and the ump got mad at her. Eventually he let her but there were words between the ump and our coach.

 

[_MIA_]

I don't have sons old enough yet but are balls in youth baseball rubbed up??I doubt it..

 

[Greatdaytobeawildcat]

I don't have sons old enough yet but are balls in youth baseball rubbed up??I doubt it..

From games I've umped...14u and up, 50/50. 12u and below...never.

 

[EdLovrich]

My DD's high school team roughs them up before each game. That is one of the freshman duties....go over to the bullpen and rub them in the dirt.

Same with our HS team. We rough them up before every game. Use a tack cloth on them as well

No! Just no. Give the balls to be used for the game to the PU and have him/her rub them up. The umpire will rub them up.

 

[EdLovrich]

I don't have sons old enough yet but are balls in youth baseball rubbed up??I doubt it..

As a matter of course, they should be.

 

[_MIA_]

As a matter of course, they should be.

Right, never said otherwise.