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Online now: 3 members: BANDITOS180, L.L., TABLE SETTER 11; 118 anonymousDiscussion: Softballs
| Posted | Discussion |
| Nov. 27, 2012 Capt Kirk 541 posts | Softballs I think in 2010, there was a Japanese team in the Phoenix Tournament and they were using a softball that they use in league play. Does anyone know anything about this ball? |
| Nov. 27, 2012 Capt Kirk 541 posts | What I remember aboutthe ball they were using it was more like a rubber ball, I don't know if they used special bats. We are playing in a tournament that will be using a similiar ball, just trying to figure it out what is the best bat to use. I talked to Corky and he recommended a heavier bat and that does not have the trampoline effect, a harder bat. Will pull out an old alum bat and give it a try. Capt |
| Nov. 27, 2012 SCRAPPY 44 posts | The name of the company is Kenko. I represented this company a number of years ago when they were affiliated with Debeer Softball/Baseball company. Some of the baseballs react "similar" to hardballs but they are still made of rubber. The softballs were used mainly for indoor practice. In Japan the baseballs and softballs are used in some leagues and tournaments. Mike Massong - Scrappy |
| Nov. 27, 2012 batter4u Men's 65 82 posts | I was on one of the teams that played aginst the Japanese teams using that ball. you had to use a smooth swing and hit the center of the ball or else all you heard was a thuuud and the ball would go straight up or hit 5 feet in front of the plate and bounce 30 ft in the air and come down in front of the pitcher. Most were using senior bats and any attempt to power the ball usually made you look silly. In the outfield you had to back up for a pop up if you saw you couldnt get to it,,, play the bounce, It was fun but wouldnt want to play if too often.... |
| Nov. 30, 2012 Capt Kirk 541 posts | Thanks for info, what about Easton Alum 28oz bat, would that be a good bat for this type of softball? Capt |
| Nov. 30, 2012 LP 317 posts | Capt Kirk dont over think this ball any bat will do and it wont hurt your bat. come have some fun and leave the worries behind. |
| Jan. 2, 2013 MichaelH386 Men's 65 31 posts | Did they use their balls in tournament play ? |
| Jan. 2, 2013 GI Men's 60 228 posts | I am holding this ball right now as I have new one that was not used when we played team in 2011 Words before regular tournament. KEKO Ball JSA . looks and acts just like a big rubber ball. One of our guys who used to play with us and could hit a long home run did hit one that went about 220. We ended up playing on girls field with 200 foot fence and I think maybe one was hit out,. Fun to play those guys who were so polite and made new friends. if the results for 1-1 count do not pass I suggest we use these balls at least first pitch since guys want to look at several pitches anyway and waste time. Forget that we would have to chase ball that bounces over fence with the 10 foot ark that I am sure will be passed one of these days to make it even better to hit for the batter.Sorry but one of things on my wish list this year is to see batters ready to hit 1st fat pitch of game and maybe santa let us 55 AAA players get to play on Vegas Field Of Dreams Field. Is this Heaven-- Hugs GI |
| June 21, 2013 Ohana49 3 posts | I not sure which Kenko ball is being discussed here but I can share my awareness of the 14 inch Kenko Ball. Nagase Kenko Co.(NKC) manufactures a wide variety of baseball, softball,etc.. This 14" is made of rubber and does NOT have a core and is very popular and played throughout Japan. I've played in the Hinohara Cup tournament in Tokyo and had a great time. The people are unreal nice and generous. We felt bad taking the Tournament Championship. The bases are 50 ft., pitcher plate is 40 ft, and the homerun barrier is 164 ft. I really can't see anyone hitting this ball 220 ft., unless there was a very strong tail-wind. We scored 57 runs and gave up 4 in four games. No one had a homerun over the barrier. You have to strike the ball perfectly as "batter4u" described previously. Macho guys would not enjoy this unique game of softball since they would look silly trying to rip homeruns. I recommend using a bat that gives you the best accuracy. I did quite well using a 27oz. Miken Maxload. This game is great for goodwill, fellowship, and social bonding. Aloha |
| June 21, 2013 Ohana49 3 posts | I not sure which Kenko ball is being discussed here but I can share my awareness of the 14 inch Kenko Ball. Nagase Kenko Co.(NKC) manufactures a wide variety of baseball, softball,etc.. This 14" is made of rubber and does NOT have a core and is very popular and played throughout Japan. I've played in the Hinohara Cup tournament in Tokyo and had a great time. The people are unreal nice and generous. We felt bad taking the Tournament Championship. The bases are 50 ft., pitcher plate is 40 ft, and the homerun barrier is 164 ft. I really can't see anyone hitting this ball 220 ft., unless there was a very strong tail-wind. We scored 57 runs and gave up 4 in four games. No one had a homerun over the barrier. You have to strike the ball perfectly as "batter4u" described previously. Macho guys would not enjoy this unique game of softball since they would look silly trying to rip homeruns. I recommend using a bat that gives you the best accuracy. I did quite well using a 27oz. Miken Maxload. This game is great for goodwill, fellowship, and social bonding. Aloha |
| Sept. 18, 2014 Ohana49 3 posts | We played again in the 2013 Hinohara Cup. This time I used the Combat Ambush 27oz. maxload and it did drive the ball better than the Miken Maxload. I believe a stiffer shaft bats does better than the flex shafts. Certainly a heavier bat would drive any ball further, but I would use the same weight with a stiff shaft. |
