Louisville Slugger Blue Flame Pitching Machine

Great item!

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.

You get a more consistent batting practice with more balls in the strike zone. It does move around a bit and you have to get your foot push and hand pull coordinated but with a bit of practice it does a grat job.

Facil de armar, ajustes de velocidad y altura perfectos, y muy sencilla de usar. Cada pichada que lanza, varia un poco la altura o la dirección a la anterior, pero eso la vuelve aún más divertida para usar. En verdad estoy muy satisfecho con el producto.

Great product, use it for pitches, fly-balls, grounders - all kinds of practice, would get it again. Compact so easily fits into the trunk or back seat. Easily adjustable speed and height, can be used for kids or adults, has spikes on the front to prevent too much drifting during pitches to keep them consistently targeted.