Softball is variation of baseball with a larger ball and smaller field.
For the teams playing in NCAA games, Rule 3.2 covers the ball. So much for the yellow ball simply being a preference.
3.2 Ball
3.2.1. The ball shall be an optic yellow sphere with raised red thread seams. It shall have a polycore center. The cover shall be smooth and made of chrome tanned, top-grain horsehide or cowhide. It shall be affixed to the core by cement and sewn with waxed cotton or linen thread by the two-needle method with not fewer than 88 stitches per cover. The ball shall meet the following specifications.
Minimum circumference: 11⅞ inches;
maximum circumference: 12¼ inches;
Minimum weight: 6½ ounces;
maximum weight: 7 ounces;
Maximum COR (coefficient of restitution): .47;
Compression: Minimum 275 pounds; Maximum 375 pounds; and
Maximum dynamic stiffness: 7,500 pounds per square inch.
3.2.2 The host team shall be responsible for providing a minimum of 12 game softballs of the same specifications and manufacturer.
3.2.3 The use of any treatment or device that fundamentally changes the specifications of balls is prohibited and renders the equipment altered and unsuitable for play.
EFFECT—(3.2.1 to 3.2.3)—No contest shall be declared. Games shall not be played with softballs that do not meet the required specifications.
Note: The balls should be stored at room temperature and humidity levels (72 degrees and 50%, respectively) to achieve performance similar to those in laboratory testing.
References:
NCAA Rules – https://www.ncaa.org/sports/2013/12/2/softball-rules-of-the-game.aspx
Photo – kansan.com/sports/2013/03/06/kansas-focuses-on-success-rather-than-opponents/
