Soft Sponge Rubber Core: Unlike a standard baseball (which has a hard cork/pill center), these have a flexible sponge rubber core. This makes them much safer for beginners who are still learning to catch and might take a ball to the glove—or the face.
Indoor/Outdoor Versatility: Because they are "low compression," they won't damage gym floors or walls as easily as a hard ball, making them ideal for winter indoor practices.
Official Size: Even though they are soft, they are the official 9-inch size, helping kids get used to the feel of a real baseball.
Synthetic Cover: These typically use a "Syntex" or synthetic leather cover, which is more durable against damp grass or concrete than genuine leather.