I've got two children playing (one in softball, one in baseball) that I try to help with their mechanics as best I can. I'm also recovering slowly from a shoulder injury so I have to limit the amount of stress I put on it as well. I don't have any issues with throwing and catching the ball with the kids but, as they get older, it gets more difficult for me to put enough on the ball for them to be challenged batting and deliver consistent pitches (especially trying to pitch underhanded to my daughter) so I figured I needed a pitching machine to help me out. I initially had this idea that I would get an electric machine to simplify things but, between the high costs,the numerous models, the various ball requirements (since some require specific practice balls), and my requirement that I needed it to be able to throw both baseballs and softballs, I was getting nowhere. Then I happened to find this Louisville Slugger machine while searching Amazon. The idea of a mechanical machine did not appeal to me at first but, it had so many excellent reviews, it was affordable, and it will literally throw almost anything (real baseballs/softballs, practice balls, etc.). Assembly was pretty easy and straightforward. The assembly manual is well written and it didn't take me but about 10 minutes to completely put it together and adjust it for throwing some softballs to my daughter. It took only about 4 pitches with minor adjustments to make sure it was throwing at the proper height for her and then, of the 30+ pitches we threw with it right after being assembled, only 1 pitch was not hitable. Speed and height adjustments are very easy and the unit is light enough to easily be transported to and from a field with ease. This machine totally exceeded my expectations as far its function and performance. The only complaint that I have at all regarding the UPM45 is that I did have some trouble with the spring retaining pin making contact with the frame of the machine. It is a little annoying when it happens but I reach down about every 10 pitches or so and make sure it is still fully seated and I haven't had a problem with it much since. Read more
The Louisville Slugger UPM 45 Blue Flame Pitching Machine is a practical training tool that makes batting practice more consistent and efficient. It throws baseballs, softballs, and even training balls with adjustable speed and height, giving players a wide range of practice options. The spring-loaded design doesn’t require electricity or batteries, which makes it easy to set up anywhere. Coaches and parents will appreciate how simple it is to operate, and the pitches are consistent enough to help hitters focus on timing and technique. It’s lightweight for transport yet durable enough to handle regular use on the field. While it doesn’t match the speed of powered pitching machines, it’s safe, dependable, and very effective for youth and amateur players. Pros: It works without electricity, offers consistent and adjustable pitches, and is lightweight enough to carry easily. Cons: It doesn’t reach the higher speeds of motorized machines, the setup takes a little adjusting at first, and the spring may need replacement after heavy use. A well-built and dependable pitching machine that’s perfect for youth players and team practice. It’s affordable, easy to use, and helps hitters build confidence at the plate. Read more
I'll just add a few cents worth of opinions as much of it has been covered already. This is a fabulous machine, and I'll note some good points. 1. No batteries, no electric cords, pure mechanical energy via the spring. 2. Initial assembly is quick and easy with instructions, maybe 10min and I was taking my time to make sure that I did everything right. 3. There is ample instruction on how to configure machine to pitch in a given area at a given speed - on machine itself, and at least 3 different printed docs in the box. I did a basic "3" configuration (different bolt positions for higher/lower adjustments) and it pitched fine for my 8yr old. I haven't had to adjust it from initial setup, but the large twistable handles for the bolts would make adjustments pretty quick. 4. Pitches with reasonable variability. It is not bulls-eye precise for me, but I don't have it anchored, use a variety of ball brands and age, and don't pay a lot of attention to the stitch patterns when placing in the launcher arm - so basically I'm not doing any of the things that would enhance the precision. This to me is NOT a bad characteristic though - to me it's more realistic. It forces my son to learn to watch the ball. But after 300 or so pitches I can say it has pitched a strike on every single throw with maybe a 5-6" variance up/down/left/right from dead center. Actually much more consistent/accurate than he can expect in kid or coach pitch (BY FAR!) 5. It's portable. Not too heavy or bulky. Have considered a wagon or cart, but that's more to do with now that I have this the amount of overall gear (bags, buckets of balls, etc) I have to tote around is ridiculous. ;) 6. It uses real balls (or anything else you want to toss - plastic, lightweight, softball, baseball, tennis, even soccer for goalie practice). Don't need to buy anything different than you have already, and your kid will get the feel of hitting something the proper size/weight. 7. For what you get (a decent pitching machine) this is really reasonably priced (I paid $172 here on Amazon). The only CON I can think of is that there's no auto-load option obviously since it's spring activated, so it isn't for those that want to load and forget or go hit on their own. However, this is pretty minor and was an anticipated and acceptable tradeoff to avoid the deal-breakers (the auto load machines require electricity, which isn't practical in the field). Basically this saved our practice. I injured my shoulder a few years back and can't reliably hit a strike zone to save my life - no power or precision. Practices were a factor of pitching 3 dozen balls to get 2-3 hittable pitches - total waste of time and frustrating for us both. Read more
