Baseball & Softball Pitching Machine

Whether you are an amateur or professional player, you will surely be interested in purchasing this incredible machine that can help you improve your skills. Sometimes it can be quite difficult to find someone who can consistently throw balls. With this in mind, most manufacturers have tried to develop useful tools such as pitching machines that can help players improve their hitting skills. The best part is that most of these manufacturers have succeeded in developing smart devices that will help strengthen the skills of any player.

We spend more than 30 hours reviewing and analyzing various types and models of pitching machines and these 11 models were our favorite ones. We have tried to find affordable yet quality models that are very easy to use and operate. Take a look at the comparison table below and choose the one that meets and exceed your requirements.

Top 11 Baseball & Softball Pitching Machines Comparison

Photo	Product Name	Age	Throw Distance	Speed Range	Delay Time	Highlight	Price
Best Overall	1. Franklin MLB Pitching Machine	5 years old to adult	25 ft. to 30 ft.	40 mph	10 seconds	It holds 9 balls at a time	Check Price
	2. Louisville Slugger UPM 45 Blue Flame	5 years old to adult	40 ft. to 60 ft.	18-45 mph , 18-60 mph	Manual Feed	Official pitching machine of both Babe Ruth League and Pony Baseball and Softball	Check Price
Our Choice	3. JUGS Lite-Flite Machine	8 years old to adult	20 ft. to 30 ft.	15-85 mph	Manual Feed	2-Years warranty period	Check Price
	4. SKLZ Lightning Bolt Pitching Machine Pro	8 years old to adult	25 ft.	35 mph	5 seconds	Angle adjusts for different pitching locations	Check Price
	5. Franklin Sports MLB 14071	5 to 15 years old	20 ft. to 25 ft.	5-10 mph	Manual Feed	Tripod style base	Check Price
	6. BSN Bulldog Pitching Machine	5 years old to adult	20 ft. to 35 ft.	55 mph , 60 mph	Manual Feed	Urethane wheel eliminates air pressure issues	Check Price
	7. HEATER SPORTS Baseball Pitching Machine	8 years old to adult	20 ft. to 25 ft.	10-45 mph , 15-60 mph	8 seconds	Tubular-steel tripod stand	Check Price
	8. Heater Sports Machine BH199	8 years old to adult	2 ft	15-45 mph	8 seconds	It holds 12 balls at a time	Check Price
	9. MaxBP Machine	8 years old to adult	20 ft. to 60 ft.	30-130 mph	5 seconds	Triple Drop feature can throw 3 times as many pitches per interval	Check Price
	10. Jugs m7000	5 years old to adult	up to 35 feet	75 mph	5 seconds	It holds 25 balls at a time
	11. SKLZ Catapult Soft Toss	8+	Not given information	Not given information	8 seconds	It holds 8 balls at a time

1. Franklin MLB Pitching Machine

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Although it lacks several features and it is not as powerful as its competitors, the Franklin MLB Pitching Machine still is a great option to consider when making a purchase. It is a lightweight machine that measures 17.75 x 61 x 45 inches and weighs 3.19 lbs..

It is recommended for kids aged 5 and up. Even adults can use this pitching machine. It is portable, so it is a great choice for household use. You just have to install it in your backyard and you are good to go. Also, it is important to know that it throws up to 25 ft. to 30 ft. and its pitch angle is adjustable. This means that it can throw a ball every 10 seconds. It can hold up 9 balls with ease and its speed range is about 40 miles per hour.

PROS	CONS
It is a great tool for kids, teens and adults alike It features an attractive design Affordable price Easy to carry The machine has an easily adjustable pitch angle	Reviewers complain that it is lightweight and can’t stay put on uneven surfaces
VERDICT
If you want a pitching machine with an attractive design, this is exactly what you need. Lightweight, portable and very easy to use, the Franklin MLB Pitching Machine is a model that will surely satisfy your needs. Although it lacks certain features, it still is a great option to consider when making a purchase.

2. Louisville Slugger UPM 45 Blue Flame

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The Louisville Slugger UPM 45 Blue Flame is in our top preferences for many reasons. The first being that it is easy to use and move from a field to another. Another important thing to know is that it can throw any type of ball, including hard balls, dimple balls, plastic, and light balls. It is also worth mentioning that it can throw balls up to 60 mph. In fact, it can throw hard balls up to 45 mph and plastic light balls up to 60 mph.

Although it is a manual machine, it is extremely accurate and does a great job pitching balls. The machine has so many features that it is quite difficult to find something better than that. Its features are excellent for young players and help them a lot to improve their hitting skills. Although it is efficient and very accurate, it is also one of the most affordable pitching machines available in the current market.

PROS	CONS
Great price Easy to use Portable Accurate It can be used even for volleyball, soccer and basketball	There are no options to practice on curveballs and sliders
VERDICT
The Louisville Slugger UPM 45 Blue Flame is an affordable pitching machine that delivers great results. It is versatile and extremely accurate. It has many features in comparison to other models. However, this can be quite confusing and you will need some time to learn how to use it. Overall it is a good option to consider when making a purchase.

3. JUGS Lite-Flite Machine

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Over the last years, the pitching machines have become incredibly popular among amateur and professionals players alike. Most of them are equipped with impressive features and are so easy to use that even kids can do it. After reviewing several machines, we can honestly confirm that the JUGS Lite-Flite Machine is by far the most interesting yet easy to use out there. It is an electrical device that is powered by a 1.3 amplifier motor. It is capable of throwing up to 11 to 12 inches lite-flite softballs and baseballs. Also, it is incredibly fast.

The speed range can be set anywhere from 30 to 85 miles per hour at 25 feet. Another important thing to know about this model is that its base casting can easily be adjusted to 360 degrees. In addition to this, there is a quick change mechanism that will help any player switch from softball to baseball and back with ease. Overall, this machine has plenty of functions so it is a great option to consider when making a purchase.

PROS	CONS
Versatile Durable and very easy to setup Easy to setup Quick change mechanism with Switch-and-Play knobs Portable	It has so many settings and it can be confusing at first
VERDICT
There is nothing better on the market than this incredible JUGS Lite-Flite Picthing Machine. It is fast, easy to set up and great to have when playing softball or baseball. As compared to other similar devices, it provides the player with a wide range of movements for all types of pitches, so it can be adjusted for fastballs, curves and sliders as it.

4. SKLZ Lightning Bolt Pitching Machine Pro

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The SKLZ Lightning Bolt Pitching Machine Pro is a product that will surely meet your requirements. It is a good pitching machine that measures 9.25 x 9.25 x 10.5 inches and weighs 3.7 lbs.. It is a lightweight product that can easily be moved from a part to another if you want to exercise in different fields. The right age for using this machine is 8 to adult. This means that it is so easy to use that even an 8 years old child can use it without any problems.

The machine throws the balls up to 25 ft. and the delay time between balls is 5 seconds. It is also worth mentioning that is able to hold 26 balls at a time and the speed range is 35 miles per hour. It has many features as compared to other models and considering its reasonable price, we really think that this is a great value for money.

PROS	CONS
Great value for money 5 seconds delay Perfect for kids, teens and adults alike It runs on batteries Automatic pitches for soft practice balls	Doesn’t take regular size balls
VERDICT
Take a look at this pitching machine and you will be surprised to discover how interesting and easy to use it is. Capable of throwing balls 25 feet at 35 mph, this amazing pitching machine also provides a 5-second delay between pitches. Aside from being efficient and very easy to use, it also has a very reasonable price.

5. Franklin Sports MLB 14071

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The Franklin Sports MLB 14071 is ideal for young baseball and softball players. It is a good training tool specifically designed for practice hitting and fielding. It comes equipped with tri-pod style base and stable ground stakes that helps prevent tipping. In fact, this is what we really like about this machine. The fact that it is extremely stable is a big plus. It provides maximum stability, so it is extremely safe to use. It features a telescopic ball feeder that can be expanded to hold 9 balls.

In addition to this, it is also worth mentioning that it comes with 6 Aero-Strike plastic baseballs. It is ideal for ages 5 – 15. It is very easy to use and setup. All you have to do is to set it to the designated angle and height. It is extremely fast and throws the baseball balls really far. Also, it is quite affordable. It comes with a very reasonable price in comparison to its competitors.

PROS	CONS
It can be adjusted to any type of game
VERDICT
Looking for an easy to use pitching machine? If so, the Franklin Sports MLB 14071 is exactly what you need. It is a baseball throwing machine that comes with a tripod base for stability and many other features that will help you improve your game. Overall, it is a great option to consider when making a purchase.

6. BSN Bulldog Pitching Machine

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Looking to upgrade your baseball equipment? If so, make sure you get the right pitching machine for your needs. Since there are so many models available on the market, it is quite confusing to choose the right one. The pitching machine by BSN Sports is a great model, suitable for every level of play from beginners to advanced baseball and softball players. It is ideal for fields and outdoor training.

It comes with a powerful ¼ HP D.C. motor and heavy-duty legs for increased stability. It can throw baseballs and 11” and 12” softballs with a speed of 30-60 mph. As mentioned above, it is ideal for training as it stimulates a wide variety of pitches. It helps you become a better player in a short time.

PROS	CONS
It comes with durable urethane wheels for air pressure issues Powerful motor Lightweight design
VERDICT
If you are interested in purchasing a pitching machine to exercise a few pitches, this is exactly what you may need: a powerful machine with a strong construction. It is great for all types of players, including beginners, intermediate and professional players. It is not as affordable as the other models, but still is a good option to consider.

7. HEATER SPORTS Baseball Pitching Machine

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The HEATER SPORTS Baseball Pitching Machine is a great choice for baseball players who want to improve their skills and want a quality yet affordable pitching machine. It is an advanced model that thanks to its ability to throw up to 60 miles per hour can take your game to the next level. It can hold 12 balls at a time and the delay time between pitches is about 8 seconds.

The device can be used by kids 8 years old and up as it is very easy to use and setup, no supervision required. It measures 36 x 48 x 36 inches and weighs 30 lbs.. Its lightweight feature makes it portable and easy to carry with you when you want to exercise. The reason why it is one of our favorite models is that it comes with a ball feeder system that drops a ball into the device every 8 seconds.

PROS	CONS
Ideal for kids, teen and adults Great value for money Compact design It holds 12 balls Adjustable pitch height
VERDICT
Excellent choice if you are thinking about purchasing a quality machine at a reasonable price. It has many settings in comparison to other machines and it does a great job throwing balls. It is safe and secure and can be easily used by children and adults alike.

8. Heater Sports Machine BH199

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This machine has the ability to pitch lite and real-size balls. As well as, it’s also compatible with leather and dimpled balls. All you will need to do in order to use this machine is to plug into any standard wall outlet or insert the battery pack. It has an energy-efficient operation which means that you can use it for many hours. What stands out about this product is the fact that it has been designed with 10 speeds. The speeds range from 10 to 45 mph. The lite balls can travel at a speed of 15 to 60 mph as they’re lightweight.

The AC powered spiral ball feeder will drop the ball into the machine every 8 seconds which means that you don’t have to manually drop the balls. In addition to this, this feature makes it suitable for children, teenagers, and adults. It doesn’t matter how skilled you are; you will see an improved by using this model.

PROS	CONS
Suitable for any type of balls Easy to use Easy to set up Designed with high speeds It can be used even for volleyball, soccer and basketball	The throw distance could be improved
VERDICT
The reason why we recommend this model is because it has been designed in order to help you improve your skills. It has a convenient latency which means that it’s suitable for people that don’t have as much experience as others.

9. MaxBP Machine

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Have you ever thought of improving your baseball skills with a pitching machine? If not, you should know that this is the best way to practice baseball or softball alone. There are hundreds of models available on the market and we understand that it could be quite confusing to make the right choice. With this in mind, we are ready to provide you with detailed information about one of the best models out there. The pitching machine by MaxBP is an excellent machine that will help you practice hitting on your own. It is a great companion that helps you improve your performance in a short time. It uses 5 speed and distance settings from 30 to 140 mph, which means that it is much faster than many other machines on the market. It includes a turbo speed feature that will stimulate pitches on a fast mode.

What we really like about this machine is the fact that it is capable of holding about 48 balls. On your practice, you will use wiffle balls, curveballs and fastballs. Keep in mind that you cannot use standard baseballs and softballs. However, it is not only a Baseball or Softball machine. It also works for other sports including Lacrosse, Cricket or Hockey. Another important feature to consider when making such a purchase is weight. As compared to many other similar models, it only weighs 12 lbs. It is a lightweight model that can be easily moved from a part to another. In what regards its price, it is a bit expensive, but if you want a quality machine, this is absolutely worth the money.

PROS	CONS
It throws balls from 30 to 140 mph Excellent training machine Lightweight model
VERDICT
With a lightweight design and a plethora of interesting features, we are proud to include this machine on our list. It is a pitching machine that can easily hold about 48 balls. Although it only pitches golf-ball size and doesn’t work with standard baseball or softball, it still does a great job and it is a good option worth taking into consideration when making such a purchase.

10. Jugs m7000

Take a quick look at this incredible pitching machine and you will be surprised to discover how well it works and how much it will help you improve your baseball game. Specially designed for any young baseball player keen to play better and improve its baseball skills, this youth baseball pitching machine is among the most popular models out there. It comes in a small size, measuring 26 x 14 x 10 inches only. At just 23 lbs., it is a lightweight machine that can easily be carried on the field.

As compared to some of the above opponents, it uses small balls only. A single ball measures 5 inches and weighs 5 oz. They are made of polyurethane foam. Instead, the machine comes with a durable construction that guarantees a long life. It is made of heavy-duty metal. The adjustable metal legs ensure maximum stability. Although you wouldn’t expect to do wonders on the field, find out that it throws ball up to 35 feet with a speed of up to 75 mph. It can store up to 25 balls and release them every 5 seconds. It operates on standard 110-volt AC power.

Although it comes in small size and it is specially designed for kids, do not let kids under 5 to use it. Due to its small size, the machine can be used indoors. This way, you will never miss your practice due to bad weather conditions.

PROS	CONS
Heavy-duty steel construction Adjustable legs Lightweight model Safe and versatile
VERDICT
Due to its lightweight feature, Jugs m7000 can be used indoors to avoid bad weather. It is a nice pitching baseball and softball machine designed for kids and beginner adults alike. It is efficient, fast and helps you improve your game.

11. SKLZ Catapult Soft Toss

Looking to purchase a quality yet affordable pitching machine that will help you improve your baseball game? Well, then, SKLZ Catapult Soft Toss Baseball is exactly what you need. With 13.5 x 9.5 x 7 inches in size and 1 lb. in weight, it is by far the most lightweight pitching machine out there. In comparison to many other pitching products, it helps you achieve both offensive and defensive objectives of the game.

It uses standard 9” plastic or tennis balls. It can be adjusted for height and distance and it releases balls every 8 seconds. What we like most about this machine are its features. It comes equipped with a full package of useful features. For example, it has a spiral ball funnel that can store up to 8 standard balls. More than that, it runs on 4 D batteries or it works with AC adaptor. The machine is recommended for kids ages 8+.

PROS	CONS
It helps you practice both offensive and defensive aspects of baseball Adjustable height and distance Automatically tosses regulation Lightweight and portable – easy to carry around
VERDICT
Take a quick look at this pitching machine and you won’t regret it. Aside from being affordable, it is one of the best baseball coaches a player could ever have. It is small, lightweight and very easy to transport on the field and back home.

Essential Features to Consider When Purchasing

If you are interested in purchasing a pitching machine, there are important factors you need to take into consideration. They might be similar, but there is a small difference between them. Therefore, in order to know more about these products and find the best model, you should have the following criteria:

• Design

  When purchasing a pitching machine, the design is one of the most important factors to consider. Generally speaking, there are two types of machines, such as the wheel operated devices and the compressed air devices. The most popular model between these two is the wheel operated one. Also, it is important to understand that the dual wheel model is suitable for experienced players while the single wheel model is best for beginners and amateurs. The first model is accurate and extremely fast. For this reason, most beginners should avoid it. In what regards the compressed air devices, these are extremely easy to use and very safe. They use air to throw the balls, so there is no danger of that.

• Types of balls

  Regarding the ball types, it is very important to know several things. For example, it is good to know that most pitching machines use standard practice balls and not real balls for softball or baseball. However, you can practice with real balls, but the practice ones are more durable and resist more than the real ones.

• Speed

  Another important factor to consider when making a purchase is the ball speed. This factor is essential for your practice. As such, take a look at your chosen model and consider how powerful it is and how fast it can throw the balls. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, you will need a machine that can throw more than 70 miles per hour. As a beginner, you will need a machine that throws at least 60 miles per hour. On the other hand, if you are a professional player, a device that can reach ball speeds of up to 80 miles per hour is exactly what you want.

• Portability

  Deciding between manual and electric machines can be quite confusing and a bit complicated as both models have their pros and cons. While the manual models are very portable and easy to carry anywhere without worrying about anything, with the electric ones things are different. Since they are usually equipped with a battery or a generator, they are a bit heavy to transport and carry from a field to another. On the other hand, you need to understand that manual machines lack certain features while the electric ones have a plethora of impressive features that will make your game and practice much easier.

Conclusion

Any of these pitching machines will help you enhance timing and eye-hand coordination. They will also help you train your pitchings by stimulating real pitches from a person.

Louisville Slugger UPM 45 may be excellent for you if you are looking for a manual machine. Unlike most models, it can throw balls up to a distance of 60 feet.

Franklin MLB is a budget-friendly machine. It is electronic and it can hold multiple balls. It is ideal for children.

JUGS Lite-Flite is fast and it is packed with many features. It is more expensive than the other 2 models but it is versatile and user-friendly.