Can any type of ball be used in BATA machines and feeders?
No. Our machines are guaranteed to work only with our BATA Dimpled Baseballs and Softballs, and with regulation baseballs and 11″ and 12″ softballs. Our feeders are guaranteed to work with BATA Dimpled Baseballs and Softballs only. Our machines will also pitch some of the “safety” or “RIF” balls. Back to top More info about balls The balls that you use in your BATA machine are critical to its performance. The relationship between the gripping of the wheels onto the outer surface of the ball is what makes it pitch. Any inconsistency in the surface or the weight of the ball, any moisture or debris, any slickness, will cause the ball to pitch inconsistently. Vinyl-type covered balls are not recommended in the machines. They are covered with a thick plastic-like “paint”, and tend to leave a slick residue on the surface of the pitching wheels, which will effect their ability to grip the ball. BATA machines are designed to use regulation real leather baseballs and softballs, and BATA Dimpled
