The Best Pitching Machines to Help You Practice
Batting cages are fun, but they can be a long drive away for some folks. That's why pitching machines are such a vital training tool for so many baseball-lovers. Pitching machines allow you to bring a little piece of the batting cage home to your backyard to train with. Whether you're a kid looking to learn the ropes or an adult looking to get active again, let this list of the best pitching machines on the market be your guide to finding the right one for you.
Franklin Sports MLB Electronic Pitching Machine
A grand slam for kids
For kids looking to start getting into the great sport of baseball, practice is key. However, sometimes recreational leagues don’t allocate enough practice time for kids to really get a grasp on the fundamentals. That’s why this pitching machine from Franklin Sports is such a valuable investment for parents. This pitching machine is specifically designed to simplify the game and allow your kid to follow his or her own learning process and speed. Franklin Sports’ pitching machine holds up to nine balls and can throw balls at three angles. The different angles allow for simulations of pitches, ground balls, and fly balls. If you and your kid are interested in getting into baseball, there’s no better place to start than this affordable pitching machine from Franklin Sports.
Pros:
- Affordable, easy-to-use pitching machine designed for kids
- Operates at three angles to simulate pitches, ground balls, and fly balls
- It can hold up to nine balls at a time
Cons:
- Not ideal for older teenagers and adults
Louisville Slugger Blue Flame Pitching Machine
Perfect pitch
When you think baseball gear, Louisville Slugger may very well be the first name that pops into your head. Louisville Slugger has been making some of the most high-quality baseball equipment and gear for decades. The Blue Flame pitching machine keeps the legacy alive. Many of the pitching machines on the market tend to be electronic, needing extension cords and batteries to function. Instead, the Blue Flame utilizes a catapult-like system that allows this pitching machine to function with absolutely no electricity anywhere. Other pitching machines keep you tethered to a place with a power outlet, but with Louisville Slugger’s Blue Flame, you can take a ride to any field you want and start hitting balls. This is a highly versatile pitching machine that we highly recommend to anyone looking to take their batting and fielding game to the next level.
Pros:
- It doesn’t need electricity to work
- Throws hard balls up to 45MPH
- It can throw pitches for batting practice and ground balls, and fly balls for fielding practice
Cons:
- You need two people to operate this pitching machine
SKLZ Lightning Bolt Pitching Machine
Keep 'em coming
Using a pitching machine can be a blast, but everyone knows that the worst part is having to run out to the field and pick up the scattered balls every couple of minutes. However, with this Lightning Bolt pitching machine from SKLZ, you won’t have to do that nearly as often. SKLZ’s pitching machine utilizes a very unique design that allows you to store up to 26 baseballs in it at a time. The Lightning Bolt allows you to stack up the balls, power the machine on, and start some real practice without worrying about having to stop every few minutes. This pitching machine throws balls up to 30MPH and allows for a five-second automatic delay between each pitch that allows you to ready yourself for the next one.
Pros:
- Uniquely designed pitching machine that holds up to 26 baseballs at a time
- Throws balls up to 30MPH
Cons:
- It’s not the most accurate pitching machine on the market
Heater Base Hit Pitching Machine
Batter up
This pitching machine from Heater is the ideal pick for intermediate to expert level batters and fielders. Unlike many other pitching machines on the market, Heater’s Base Hit throws lite-balls up to 60mph and regulation balls up to 45mph. For highschool and men’s league players, this is the kind of practice machine to be working with. With pinpoint accuracy and simple assembly, this exceptional pitching machine from Heater is here to improve your baseball skills in more ways than one.
Pros:
- Ideal fastball pitching machine for intermediate to expert-level players
- Highly accurate
Cons:
- It doesn’t hold a lot of balls at once
Franklin Sports Kids Pitching Machine
Practice makes perfect
There are few better sports for a kid to get involved with than baseball. One of the best ways to help them learn is by getting them a pitching machine. Franklin Sports Kids pitching machine is the ideal choice to help turn your backyard into your kid’s own personal Spring Training camp. Unlike other comparable products for kids, this pick from Franklin Sports offers adjustable speed pitching (10, 15, and 20mph), allowing your kid to grow into different experience levels with time. The pitching machine holds four balls at once and features three varying angles that allow you to simulate pitches, ground balls, and fly balls.
Pros:
- Perfect pitching machine for kids
- Offers three adjustable speed options
- Very affordable
Cons:
- It doesn’t hold many balls at once
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these pitching machines come with baseballs?
It depends, but in most cases, the pitching machines do not include baseballs. All of the pitching machines on our list, however, do use the same size balls. Baseballs are fairly inexpensive to buy, so you shouldn’t have to break the bank to grab a dozen or two.
Can I safely put a pitching machine in my yard?
If you have a big yard with not many neighbors around, or if you’re able to set up a netting system to prevent the balls from flying into other peoples’ property, it shouldn’t be an issue. Also, if you’re planning to practice with your child with one of the beginners’ pitching machines, you should be able to do it no matter what size your yard is.
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