Cracks are not a good thing.  They can be repaired, in some cases, by drilling it out and plugging the hole.  That's usually what is done when the bridge starts to crack.  If the crack is fairly close to the fingers to where it's easy to drill it out without putting gianormous holes, you should be able to get it fixed.

Is this a newer ball or fairly old?  If it does have some signs of cracking, you probably don't want to plop down a big wad of cash.  If it's new enough, it may still be under warranty and you could get it replaced outright (or the current owner could do so before selling it to you).

SH

Edited on 1/13/2006 4:10 PM