Baseball Pitching Machine Review

The baseball pitching machine really is a cool invention. It takes the pressure off a pitcher (both physical pressure to keep throwing so repetitively, and the pressure of time commitment), while still allowing batters to get in as much practice as they like, either alone, trading off with fellow players, or for younger batters, under the supervision of a parent.

History

The batting machine was invented in 1897 by a math professor at Princeton University in order to help the Princeton baseball team practice more effectively. That first model may have caused some injuries to players and was actually powered by gun powder.

Capabilities

In terms of what a baseball pitching machine can do, it really runs the gamut from simple to advanced (and generally what determines those capabilities is how much you’re willing to pay for the machine). The most advanced modern machines can throw at various pitching speeds, and can deliver a range of different pitch styles. These include (but aren’t necessarily limited to) fastball, slider, and curveball.

Design

Most pitching machines are designed in one of two ways. They may have two or three wheels inside that spin quickly, catching the inserted ball and swiftly propelling it toward the batter. They may have a fast-releasing lever-style delivery, which simulates a pitcher’s overhand throw. And more base models, like for younger players, may propel the ball with the pressure of air.

Loading style

Baseball pitching machines are available in two loading styles: automatic and manual. An automatic loading machine is filled with balls at the beginning of the hitting session, and has a delay between each ball, so it pitches only at a pre-set rate (usually 6-10 seconds apart). A manual loading machine, when turned on and ready to pitch, will deliver a ball only when it is dropped into the machine by a person standing next to it.

Price

As mentioned above, how much you pay for a baseball pitching machine really depends on how much you want it to do. The most basic machines, like those used by kids just learning to play the game, can cost a few hundred dollars. More advanced machines that perform more functions and are capable of more sophisticated operation can cost several thousand dollars.

If you are in the market for a baseball pitching machine, it is important to do your homework before you actually go out and spend money. Because pitching machines can cost anywhere between several hundred dollars and several thousand dollars, it is a good idea to know what you are looking for, so that you get what you need without paying for something that gives you more than you will actually use.

One of the first things you’ll need to look at is who will be using the machine. If this is something you’re buying so that your son or daughter can get some practice for their little league team, you will probably be looking at a much simpler and more entry level model than would a serious high school athlete practicing for their championship-bound varsity team. Professional grade baseball pitching machines are even more high end (and expensive), and probably are much more than any individual would need on their own.

So, a basic machine that is good for younger players (say 12 and under, as a rule of thumb) will not have as many functions and features as a more sophisticated machine. The more sophisticated pitching machines throw not at just different speeds, but actually deliver different types of pitches as well. For example, a basic machine would throw relatively straight, a straight pitch, whereas the more advanced (and expensive) models will be able to throw curve balls, knuckle balls, sliders, etc.

Then you’ll need to decide which operational style of baseball pitching machine you want. Your basic choices are air powered, wheel, and arm style. An air powered machine is quite common for the more basic models. A wheel style uses one, two, or three wheels that spin inside the machine, catching the ball and shooting it out toward the batter. And an arm style pitching machine launches the ball from the end of a lever, simulating the actual overhand throw that a real pitcher would deliver.

You can also choose between manual feed (someone drops the balls in) or automatic feed (balls are delivered every 5-6 seconds automatically), and between stationary or portable baseball pitching machines. Ultimately, what you buy should be determined based on how (and how often) you plant to use it and how much you are able to spend on the machine.