A ball (100) having a foam core (110) with a channel recess (114) formed on its surface is enclosed by a cover assembly including a rubber channel assembly (120) in the shape of a spherical curve, such as a baseball curve, and fabric panels (132) that are fixed to the channel assembly. The channel assembly is configured to be inserted into the channel recess in the core. In an embodiment, a heat-activated adhesive substrate is disposed between the cover assembly and the core. In an embodiment, a launcher engages the channel assembly to aid in throwing the ball. In an embodiment, a removable insert (220) is insertable to be retained in the channel assembly.
