| Before we start, let me just add one thought on how I | | | | Machines |
| believe ballplayers are made. | | | | Arm Style Pitching Machines |
| FIRST... you must learn the proper mechanics! | | | | These are the workhorses of many programs from |
| SECOND... you do it over and over and over again! | | | | High school and up through the pros. You've seen |
| The player that has the privilege of being able to hit | | | | them at the commercial batting cages those big green |
| just by walking out his back door is at an unbelievable | | | | hulks of steel with their red lights warning of the |
| advantage when compared to the player who can't. | | | | impending pitch. They've been around for over 50 |
| He is as fortunate as a player can ever be for this is | | | | years and are really quite civilized and simple, once you |
| the absolute number one tool that a player can have | | | | get to know them. They can be equipped and |
| to become the best ballplayer he possibly can | | | | changed for baseball or softball. They throw a straight, |
| become. | | | | accurate ball at varied speeds of 25 to 85 plus MPH |
| I once asked a coach if he ever had a player with a | | | | though we even offer an entry-level machine that |
| backyard pitching machine setup who didn't turn into a | | | | peaks out at 65 MPH and also works well for |
| good hitter. He thought for a minute before he said, | | | | slow-pitch softball (though the arm throws in an |
| "No, I don't think I ever have." | | | | overhand motion). You should consider covering them |
| If you can hit, a coach will always find a position for | | | | during the off-season but really, you never have to |
| you! | | | | move them, they are built like Russian Tanks. |
| So You Want To Buy a Pitching Machine? | | | | Rack Fed or Hopper Fed: |
| For most people buying a pitching machine is a | | | | There are two types, one which is rack-fed and will |
| one-time purchase, so you sure want to make the | | | | hold 38 baseballs or 28 softballs, the other is a |
| right decision and not have to live with the wrong | | | | hopper-fed model which holds 600 baseballs, obviously |
| machine. If you will allow me to help, I may be able to | | | | less softballs and is the ultimate backyard or |
| assist you in whittling your selection down to the right | | | | Major-League toy...I mean serious baseball training tool. |
| choice. Keep in mind that if you simply read the | | | | Distinct Advantages are that the player can see the |
| descriptions below, your gut feeling is most likely going | | | | pitcher wind up, so he "triggers" his swing which |
| to lead you to the right choice. I say this because none | | | | develops a more realistic timing mechanism. These |
| of what we sell is junk. So if you are caught between | | | | machines are tough. You can go many years before |
| two price levels and both are affordable, know that | | | | you need replacement parts (which are cheap and |
| though I believe that there is quality built into all that we | | | | easy to replace). Lubricating a few places is about all |
| sell, more money does buy more machine. You can't | | | | the maintenance there is. No auto feed needed as |
| overpay for quality! | | | | rack version holds plenty and hopper version holds 600 |
| The major considerations are...TYPE OF MACHINES, | | | | baseballs. The softball hopper machine holds 400. |
| PRICE, SPACE, PLAYER AGE | | | | Distinct Disadvantages are simply that they throw only |
| Type of Machines: | | | | fastballs and are not really mobile though the two |
| "Real Ball" Throwing Machines: | | | | rack-fed models we offer do come equipped with built |
| The Real Ball category are those machines which | | | | in wheels & a dolly system. |
| throw real balls or machine pitch dimple balls (you've | | | | Click here to see our Arm Style Pitching Machines |
| seen them in yellow or white at the commercial batting | | | | "Lightweight" Throwing Machines: |
| cages). Incidentally, both types of baseballs weigh 5 oz. | | | | These machines use baseball sized 2 oz. balls thrown |
| These machines come in two major categories plus a | | | | at various speeds (25 to 70 MPH depending on which |
| new category that we'll discuss shortly. The categories | | | | model). Some throw various pitches from various |
| are: | | | | angles as well. Cages are still advised though our |
| -Wheel Machines | | | | portable cages are perfectly matched for the lighter |
| -Arm Style Machines | | | | balls. We've even got a great poly-ball (hollow |
| -Compressed Air Machines | | | | wiffleball) machine that will get up to the 55 to 60 MPH |
| Generally, all require a batting cage (there are a few | | | | range and is absolutely perfect for entry-level players |
| exceptions), most can be purchased with auto-feeders | | | | (optional auto feeder package is a must). |
| and remote controls for one player operation. | | | | Distinct Advantages are low price and the ability to |
| Wheel Style Pitching Machines - (One & Two | | | | use them with our inexpensive portable cages, many |
| Wheel Models) | | | | of which occupy only 30, 40 or 50 ft, perfect for small |
| These are the most popular types and are seen in | | | | backyards. |
| backyards, machine-pitch leagues, high schools, | | | | Auto feeders are available too. Some can optionally |
| colleges and in pro ball. They consist of a rubber | | | | operate on auto-type batteries. We now even offer a |
| wheel(s), a motor to propel the wheel(s), electronics | | | | rechargeable "power station" that will allow you to take |
| with speed and direction adjustment knobs and a steel | | | | it to parks where no electrical power is available. They |
| frame attached to a tripod. All run on 110v current | | | | ship UPS so obviously they are very portable too. |
| though many fields without power will use a generator. | | | | Distinct Disadvantages are that they do not throw real |
| Most can be purchased for baseball only, softball only | | | | baseballs and to some that is not what they are |
| or in a combination package for multi sport use. | | | | looking for in a pitching machine. They also aren't built |
| Single Wheel Machines: | | | | as tough as our "real ball" machines. |
| Just what the name implies, these entry-level machines | | | | Options... and Other Considerations: |
| generally throw a straight pitch between approximately | | | | The final piece of the puzzle is the extras that some |
| 25-70+ MPH. | | | | want and some don't. |
| Cost ranges from just over $900. and up. | | | | Auto Feeders are great where a player works out |
| Then there are a few single wheel curveball machines | | | | alone a lot of the time. They are simple mechanisms |
| which have the added feature of the obvious, it can | | | | that will allow a ball to enter the pitching machine every |
| also throw a curveball. I personally prefer the curveball | | | | 7 or so seconds. The smaller feeders will hold 20 |
| machines for their versatility in throwing the breaking | | | | baseballs or 16 softballs and are priced around $300 in |
| ball from either "hand", but budget obviously needs to | | | | the real ball machines. The lightweight machines hold |
| be added into your choice as well. | | | | between 24 and 28 balls. |
| The price bumps up just beyond $1200. | | | | The larger real ball feeders will hold 80 baseballs (no |
| Distinct Advantages are the lower price for a real ball | | | | softball version as yet) with a price tag of over $500. |
| machine and the weight of only 60 lbs for relatively | | | | Cordless remote controls are also available. |
| easy transport from car to ballpark etc. | | | | Some of our lightweight machines have auto feeder |
| Distinct Disadvantages are that they do not throw the | | | | options that range from $69 to $99. |
| high speeds or variety of pitches that two wheel | | | | (You will find these items on the specific pitching |
| machines do. | | | | machine pages) |
| Two Wheel Machines: | | | | Batting Cages - Full sized cages generally are 60 or |
| These are admittedly, our biggest sellers. These | | | | 70 ft in length, 12 ft in height and 14 ft wide. (yes we |
| machines will throw and simulate almost every pitch | | | | can help you with other sizes but these cover 85 % of |
| from any angle, from left or right-handed pitchers at | | | | the market). Count on $1500. to $1900 and please don't |
| speeds from approximately 25 to well into the 90 plus | | | | buy junk if you do buy elsewhere! |
| MPH range. They carry price tags of over $1500. plus | | | | Click here to see our full-size cages. |
| options that are not necessary but do add to the | | | | Our portable cages range from $250 to $350 for |
| function and enjoyment. | | | | lightweight applications and $595 for real baseball |
| Distinct Advantages are their ability to throw all the | | | | machines. Depending on size and weight of the |
| different types of pitches and the added bonus of | | | | required netting. (See the money-saving packages on |
| using them for ground balls (not so good with single | | | | our pitching machine pages.) |
| wheel machines) as well as fly balls and catchers | | | | Click here to see our portable cages. |
| pop-ups. They are somewhat portable. Our machines | | | | So How Do You Ultimately Pick? |
| range in weight from 60 lbs to 110 lbs. Some of our | | | | I think common sense concerning the amount of room |
| competitors' older technology machines weigh 150 lbs. | | | | you have, your budget and the age of the players will |
| Distinct Disadvantages are that you won't see the | | | | generally whittle it down for you between a real |
| motion of the "pitchers arm" though you will get used | | | | baseball machine or one of the lightweight machines. |
| to it after some practice. Additionally, as in all wheel | | | | Young players will use it for more years, though older |
| type machines, they aren't consistent with wet, | | | | players may tend to be more serious about trying to |
| waterlogged balls or swollen balls (For this reason we | | | | get to the next level so age in and of itself is NOT the |
| suggest and also package many of our models with | | | | determining factor. Extremely young children however |
| machine pitch dimple balls). | | | | need one of our poly-ball or light-flight machines for |
| Click to see our Single & Two Wheel Pitching | | | | common sense reasons. |