Sam gives the Pokeball a good examination, bringing it up close to his face to see if he can make out any small details, and presses the button a few times for good measure. Nope, just a normal Pokeball. With some disappointment, he hands the ball back; that's one idea that came to nothing. On the subject of variations:

"I think I have a few in Apricorn Balls, back home." They were a lot more common when he was a young trainer, but now all the apricorn artisans are gone, save a few stubborn masters like Kurt.