APTA continues search for improvements to the ball

Walt Peckinpaugh, Region IV President and Board Member led an effort to address issues with the ball – how true it bounces, how long it lasts and how much it cost.

The following report was contained in the Fall edition of Platform Tennis News:

Late in May, Walt brought our concerns about the ball to our primary supplier, the Hedstrom Corporation, maker of Vittert platform tennis balls. In their conversation, several matters were discussed and plans to implement improvements were on the agenda of the June meeting of the APTA Board.

First and foremost, Hedstrom will continue to supply Vittert balls to the market at a competitive price. This is vital because we have no game without a proper ball. We are told, however, that there may be a substantial price increase because the costs of raw material used in the ball have more than doubled since last year. This is due to the demand for rubber for other products

Second, it is necessary to recognize that we are a very small market for a specialized product. Hedstrom does not see us as having “growth” potential. It cannot compensate for a small profit margin by large volume or an anticipated increase in future orders.

Finally, there is a need for research in the composition of the ball. Hedstrom has been providing Walt Peckinpaugh with samples for testing of different formulas of rubber and flocking. The company has indicated, however, that it does not have the funds or expertise to pursue this area any further. Management suggested that the APTA investigate the availability of a “rubber chemist” to assist in this research. Thus the “HELP WANTED” ad printed on this page. “

We are hoping our members can direct us to such a person or, better yet, have such specialized knowledge themselves. The goal of this research effort would be to find a rubber composition that will maintain or lower costs while standardizing the quality of the ball. Meanwhile, the APTA will continue to work with the Hedstrom Corporation to produce a product that will be priced so as not to be a deterrent to the further growth and enjoyment of the game and to maintain quality levels that are acceptable.

Source: Platform Tennis News, Fall 1988, and Mid-Winter 1988