Baseball Pitching Machines
There are many essential pieces of equipment used in baseball. Baseball pitching machines are a great way to practice batting and fielding skills outside of in-game action. Read on to learn about the benefits, types, brands, and important considerations of baseball pitching machines.
Benefits of Baseball Pitching Machines
Baseball pitching machines are one of the most common pieces of advanced equipment used in baseball practices. They are great for sharpening both batting and fielding skills during practice drills. Pitching machines allow players to practice their hitting skills without having to find someone to pitch to them.
Since pitching machines do not require a human pitcher, batting exercises can operate faster and more smoothly. Pitching machines can usually throw a variety of different pitches so that batters can practice hitting the variety of pitches they’re likely to see during a game.
Pitching machines can also help players build their defensive skills as both an infielder and outfielder, mechanics, and confidence. The machines not only deliver pitches, but some models are also designed to simulate fly balls, pop-ups, and ground balls for both infielders and outfielders.
Things to Consider
When looking for a pitching machine, you'll want to consider the following:
- How much space do you have where you will be using the pitching machine?
- How much do you want to spend on a pitching machine?
- Do you want the pitching machine to be able to throw multiple types of pitches?
- How fast do you want the pitching machine to throw?
Types of Pitching Machines
Baseball pitching machines can come in a variety of forms, but the most common types are pitching guns, hand-fed, and automatically-fed machines.
Pitching Gun
Baseball pitching guns are one of the more common types of pitching machines. These machines are safe, simple, affordable, and stand on a tripod. They can throw up to speeds of 70 mph and are great for batting, pop-fly, and grounding practice drills. The pitching machines are hand-fed and can only store one ball at a time.
Hand-Fed Machine
Hand-fed baseball pitching machines are the most popular option for pitching machines. These machines can come in different forms and variations, but they all require somebody to feed balls into the machine’s throwing head. The throwing head is where the player or coach can pivot the head in any direction and adjust the pitch selection, speed, and height.
Automatically-Fed Machine
Automatically-fed baseball pitching machines are another common type of pitching machine. These pitching machines differ from others because they come with an automatic ball feeder that inserts a new ball after another ball is fired. This machine works with a variety of exercises, including ground balls, fly balls, and pop-ups. The automatically-fed machines use a remote controller to adjust the speed of the pitch.
What Are the Best Baseball Pitching Machines?
- Hack Attack Baseball Pitching Machine
- Jugs BP1 Baseball/Softball Combo Pitching Machine
- Heater Sports Heavy Duty Baseball Pitching Machine
- First Pitch Baseline Pitching Machine
- Louisville Slugger Black Flame Pitching Machine
- BSN SPORTS Bulldog Baseball/Softball Pitching Machine
- Heater Sports Deuce 95 MPH Curveball Machine with Auto Ballfeeder
- WILSON Sporting Goods ATEC M2 Offensive Baseball Pitching Machine
1. Hack Attack Baseball Pitching Machine
Specifications:
- Price: $3499.00
- Rating: 4.2/5
- Brand: Hack Attack
If you are looking for a great baseball pitching machine, the Hack Attack Baseball Pitching Machine is your answer. This pitching machine is unique from others on this list in that it uses a three-wheel design. This idea of adding the three wheels to the machine allows for the batter or hitter to see the ball more clearly, just as you would see with a real pitcher. These three wheels help the machine pitch 100+ mile per hour fastballs and right and left-handed breaking pitches.
Another unique factor of this pitching machine is the wheels at the bottom of all three legs. These wheels can be very useful for moving the location and positioning of the machine. This machine can pitch fastballs, curveballs, sliders, and splitters and tends to be recommended for high school, college, and professional level baseball players.
2. Jugs BP1 Baseball/Softball Combo Pitching Machine
Specifications:
- Price: $1590.00
- Rating: 5/5
- Brand: JUGS Sports
Next on the list is the Jugs BP1 Baseball/Softball Combo Pitching Machine. If you are looking for a machine that allows you to set the pitching speed, this is the machine for you. Commonly used by high schools and youth leagues, this machine lets you set the pitching speed anywhere from 15 to 70 miles per hour.
At just 75 pounds, the Jugs BP1 Baseball/Softball Combo Pitching Machine is portable and easy to set up. The pitches thrown by the machine tend to arrive in the same location every time, which can be a huge advantage for kids or beginners. As noticed in the machine’s name, it can be used for either baseball or softball pitching. This pitching machine can be bought solely for baseball or as a combo for baseball and softball.
3. Heater Sports Heavy Duty Baseball Pitching Machine
Specifications:
- Price: $449.99
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Brand: Heater Sports
The Heater Sports Heavy Duty Baseball Pitching Machine is known for its durability. This pitching machine is made up of all metal pieces. It also includes multiple different settings for speeds and types of pitches. Due to its head being able to pivot and adjust, it can also be used by catchers who want to practice catching fly-balls and ground balls.
One positive aspect of this machine is its ability to help all skill levels, from beginners all the way to professionals. If you are looking for a machine that allows time to reset between pitches, the Heater Sports Heavy Duty Baseball Pitching Machine is your answer. Although it gives you time to reset between pitches, a ball drops into the machine every eight seconds. There is also an option to hand-feed it yourself. This machine has the ability to pitch baseballs up to 52 miles per hour.
4. First Pitch Baseline Pitching Machine
Specifications:
- Price: $974.99
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Brand: First Pitch
Similar to some of the other machines we have seen before, the First Pitch Baseline Pitching Machine can be used both for baseball and softball. This machine also has the ability to pitch ground balls, pop flies, and a variety of pitches for hitters. The adjustable legs allow for this machine to be easy to put away and take back out again, which is a good fit for a backyard. Since this machine has adjustable legs, it allows for it to be of good use in your backyard. This machine is known as one of the most easily adaptable to change between baseball and softball. It is more commonly used for youth baseball and softball, and can easily be transported because of its lightweight and compact design.
Throwing pitches up to 70 miles per hour, the First Pitch Baseline Pitching Machine contains a swivel base with reversible legs. If you are looking for a pitching machine for ages eight and older, the First Pitch Baseline Pitching Machine is a great fit.
5. Louisville Slugger Black Flame Pitching Machine
Specifications:
- Price: $249.99
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Brand: Louisville Slugger
If you are looking for a pitching machine that can be used with different types of baseballs, including plastic, dimple, hard, or softballs, the Louisville Slugger Black Flame Pitching Machine is your machine to use. This machine can be used both indoors and outdoors and weighs only 24 pounds. It does not need any electrical outlets or batteries. Instead, it works mechanically and must be secured to the ground.
The Louisville Slugger Black Flame Pitching Machine throws baseballs up to 50 miles per hour. When the machine is purchased, it comes along with interchangeable parts to switch the machine from throwing strikes to high fly balls and ground balls. The machine is able to use multiple different kinds of balls to pitch, which is always a plus. The Louisville Slugger Black Flame Pitching Machine is the official pitching machine of Babe Ruth and Pony League Baseball and Softball.
6. BSN SPORTS Bulldog Baseball/Softball Pitching Machine
Specifications:
- Price: $879.99
- Rating: 4.1/5
- Brand: BSN SPORTS
The BSN SPORTS Bulldog Baseball/Softball Pitching Machine has the ability to pitch baseballs from 30 miles per hour all the way up to 60 miles per hour. Similar to other pitching machines, this machine can also be used for both baseball and softball. The heavy-duty legs allow for the machine to be used for both softball and baseball pitches since they have the ability to switch heights for both sports.
This machine works with nine-inch baseballs and 11 to 12-inch softballs. The BSN SPORTS Bulldog Baseball/Softball Pitching Machine is also very lightweight, which allows for the machine to be moved around easily.
7. Heater Sports Deuce 95 MPH Curveball Machine with Auto Ballfeeder
Specifications:
- Price: $999.99
- Rating: 4.2/5
- Brand: Heater Sports
The Heater Sports Deuce 95 MPH Curveball Machine with Auto Ballfeeder is a pitching machine that can deliver fastballs and curveballs. This machine comes with an auto ball feeder that releases balls every eight seconds, although it can also be hand-fed.
In addition to fastballs and curveballs, the Heater Sports Deuce 95 MPH Curveball Machine with Auto Ballfeeder can also throw pop flies and grounders. The head of the machine can be moved to throw various pitches at multiple different locations. For maximum safety purposes, the Heater Sports Deuce 95 MPH Curveball Machine with Auto Ballfeeder has fully enclosed wheels.
8. Wilson Sporting Goods ATEC M2 Offensive Baseball Pitching Machine
Specifications:
- Price: $2198.86
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Brand: WILSON
The Wilson Sporting Goods ATEC M2 Offensive Baseball Pitching Machine is compatible with regulation leather baseballs, as well as dimple and foam machine baseballs. This pitching machine is recommended for use by more advanced players and is commonly used at the collegiate level.
This 2-wheel machine is equipped with accuracy, power, and portability. The ability to pitch 90 mile per hour balls and throw different kinds of pitches in the strike zone makes this pitching machine one of the most advanced on the market. The Wilson Sporting Goods ATEC M2 Offensive Baseball Pitching Machine gives baseball players the ability to take their skills to the next level.
FAQ
How much does a pitching machine cost?
Baseball pitching machines have a wide-ranging price range. The highest quality wheeled pitching machines cost anywhere from $1,000-$2,000 and last anywhere from 5-10 years. There are cheaper pitching machine alternatives that cost in the $100-$500 range, but they are designed for a younger audience and are not as durable. Some pitching machines use wiffle balls and are designed for kids. These wiffle ball machines typically cost about $20-$50.
What are the best kinds of pitching machines for beginners?
The best type of pitching machine for beginners is the hand-fed pitching machine. These machines are great for youth leagues because they can throw low-speed pitches and rotate 360 degrees. These machines allow coaches to control the speed, direction, and pacing of the machine. They can also help develop the batting and hand-eye coordination skills of youth league players. These pitching machines can be bought at a reasonable price of about $200.
What types of pitches can a pitching machine throw?
Most baseball pitching machines can only throw fastballs at speeds up to 100 mph. However, some pitching machines have the capability to throw other pitches like sliders and curveballs. Outside of actual pitches, other machines can also simulate fly balls, ground balls, and pop-ups to players positioned in the infield and outfield. You should invest in a pitching machine that can best prepare you for in-game action, based on your skill level and the parts of your skillset you’re looking to improve.