We’ve really got two new baseballs in town, but the headline’s catchier when it’s singular.

As previously reported by fans and confirmed today by the Sports Business Journal, the Atlantic League has begun using baseballs of its own manufacture.

The league has applied to trademark “Drake”, its name for the new ball in honor of 19th Century inventor Ellis Drake, who helped perfect the interlocking “figure 8” baseball cover. Even with trademark approval, reportedly the ball will not be available for retail sale.

Primarily as a move to reduce costs, the new ball has been in the works for years. An initial production run of 108,000 balls are now being used, with more to come.

An added benefit to cost reduction seems to be that pitchers report getting a better grip on the ball, right out of the box. The story states that other minor leagues are inquiring about it.

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The Pioneer League is also using a new ball this season in its second season as an MLB Partner League.

Pic courtesy of FOTS (Friend of The Site) Tom O’Reilly.

A tip of the hat for the multi-colored laces, that’s always a great look. It’s not clear if this is a special event ball or if it’s the design for regular season gamers.

(The front panel design somewhat resembles that of “the Drake”; has the Atlantic League made balls for its fellow independent and MLBPL?)

We’ve lost individual minor league balls in the affiliated world this season so it’s exciting to see some game ball-related developments. It’s also nice to see that even as Partner Leagues, the independents aren’t just MLB puppet leagues, they can still innovate and stand out.

There may be hope for minor league baseball yet.