I once asked a coach if he ever had a player with a backyard pitching machine setup who didn't turn into a good hitter. He thought for a minute before he said, "No, I don't think I ever have."

If you can hit, a coach will always find a position for you!

So You Want To Buy a Pitching Machine? For most people buying a pitching machine is a one-time purchase, so you sure want to make right decision and not have to live with wrong machine. If you will allow me to help, I may be able to assist you in whittling your selection down to right choice. Keep in mind that if you simply read descriptions below, your gut feeling is most likely going to lead you to right choice. I say this because none of what we sell is junk. So if you are caught between two price levels and both are affordable, know that though I believe that there is quality built into all that we sell, more money does buy more machine. You can't overpay for quality!

The major considerations are…TYPE OF MACHINES, PRICE, SPACE, PLAYER AGE

Type of Machines:

"Real Ball" Throwing Machines: The Real Ball category are those machines which throw real balls or machine pitch dimple balls (you've seen them in yellow or white at commercial batting cages). Incidentally, both types of baseballs weigh 5 oz.

These machines come in two major categories plus a new category that we'll discuss shortly. The categories are: -Wheel Machines -Arm Style Machines -Compressed Air Machines Generally, all require a batting cage (there are a few exceptions), most can be purchased with auto-feeders and remote controls for one player operation.

Wheel Style Pitching Machines - (One & Two Wheel Models) These are most popular types and are seen in backyards, machine-pitch leagues, high schools, colleges and in pro ball. They consist of a rubber wheel(s), a motor to propel wheel(s), electronics with speed and direction adjustment knobs and a steel frame attached to a tripod. All run on 110v current though many fields without power will use a generator. Most can be purchased for baseball only, softball only or in a combination package for multi sport use.

Single Wheel Machines: Just what name implies, these entry-level machines generally throw a straight pitch between approximately 25-70+ MPH. Cost ranges from just over $900. and up.

Then there are a few single wheel curveball machines which have added feature of obvious, it can also throw a curveball. I personally prefer curveball machines for their versatility in throwing breaking ball from either "hand", but budget obviously needs to be added into your choice as well. The price bumps up just beyond $1200. Distinct Advantages are lower price for a real ball machine and weight of only 60 lbs for relatively easy transport from car to ballpark etc. Distinct Disadvantages are that they do not throw high speeds or variety of pitches that two wheel machines do.

Two Wheel Machines: These are admittedly, our biggest sellers. These machines will throw and simulate almost every pitch from any angle, from left or right-handed pitchers at speeds from approximately 25 to well into 90 plus MPH range. They carry price tags of over $1500. plus options that are not necessary but do add to function and enjoyment. Distinct Advantages are their ability to throw all different types of pitches and added bonus of using them for ground balls (not so good with single wheel machines) as well as fly balls and catchers pop-ups. They are somewhat portable. Our machines range in weight from 60 lbs to 110 lbs. Some of our competitors' older technology machines weigh 150 lbs. Distinct Disadvantages are that you won't see motion of "pitchers arm" though you will get used to it after some practice. Additionally, as in all wheel type machines, they aren't consistent with wet, waterlogged balls or swollen balls (For this reason we suggest and also package many of our models with machine pitch dimple balls). Click to see our Single & Two Wheel Pitching Machines

In all of sports hitting a round ball with a rounded bat is said to be toughest thing to do. It might be true, it might not, but I can tell you that difference in Major League Baseball between $2 million per year and pumping gas at a Texaco station could be as little as 30 more hits a year. So, it sure is not easy!

Think about that for a second… 500 at bats and 150 hits, and you are hitting .300. 500 at bats and 120 hits, and you are hitting .240 and maybe out of baseball!

So what’s my point? THE GAME ELIMINATES US ALL (see related article of this same title). Some way, some how and some day we are all out of game. Sometimes it’s injury, but more frequently, it’s on-field performance. And hitting is one skill that will keep a position player in game longest! Whether it is breaking into starting line-up, clean-up spot, a travel or High School team, or even a Major League roster, hitters have a way of staying in game longest! (Remember, there still is a DH for poor-fielding wall-bangers in Big League ball).

Focus Plus Quality Repetitions Equals Success Can you find ways to make better, solid and more frequent contact with talent you now possess? You bet you can. It’s easier than you think and can be done right in your backyard! Hit a small ball…first with a bat, then with a smaller bat, then do it again and again. It’s a simple idea. I hope most readers will agree that this makes sense. … But lets dig deeper into how and why this works.

I will tell you that it is a baseball truth that if you learn proper swing mechanics and then simply do it again and again… You become better…period!

Here’s Why It Works 1st - Players of all ages can do this though we will be making some adjustments based on age and skill level. 2nd – Hitting requires timing and balance. This is achieved through repetition of proper swing mechanics done again and again. 3rd – Focus heightens when a player is challenged – a smaller ball perhaps struck with a smaller bat will create an even greater amount of focus. Do this again and again…you will see results almost immediately! 4th – Hitting is fun!

Here’s How It Works Your local K Mart or Wal Mart sells golfball sized whiffle balls by dozen. They also sell broom handles. Get picture? It stands to reason that if a player can hit a small ball, he certainly can hit a regulation-sized baseball. The same is true with a smaller bat. Start with 2-3 dozen balls and a bat. Throw from 15 to 20 feet depending on hitter’s age and skill level. Even if he struggles in beginning, watch what happens when he starts connecting. The eyes narrow, “this is no fun” attitude disappears. In short order, he’s taken 50 – 150 swings! This is where progress begins to happen.