Pitching machine
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A pitching machine is a machine that automatically pitches a baseball to a batter at different speeds and styles. Most machines are hand-fed, but there are some that automatically feed. There are some pitching machine that will compensate the weight of the ball to make the ball be pitched at a certain speed. There are multiple types of pitching machines; softball, baseball, youth, adult, combination of both softball and baseball.
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[edit] History
In 1897, mathematics instructor Charles Hinton designed a gunpowder-powered baseball pitching machine for the Princeton University baseball team's batting practice.[1] According to one source it caused several injuries, and may have been in part responsible for Hinton's dismissal from Princeton that year.[2] However, the machine was versatile: it was capable of throwing variable speeds with an adjustable breech size and firing curve balls by the use of two rubber coated steel fingers at the muzzle of the pitcher. [3] He successfully introduced the machine to the University of Minnesota where Hinton worked as an assistant professor until 1900.
[edit] Design
Pitching machines come in a variety of styles. However, the two most popular machines are an arm action machine and a circular wheel machine. The arm action machine simulates the delivery of a pitcher and carries a ball at the end of a bracket, much like a hand would. The arm action machine then delivers the ball in an overhand motion. The circular wheel machine contains one or two wheels that spin much like a bike tire. The wheels on these machines are usually set in either a horizontal or vertical fashion. With a circular machine, a ball shoots out towards the hitter after it is fed into the wheel or wheels.
The use of pitching machines allows baseball and softball players the opportunity to get batting practice on their own. Most batting machines are set up in a batting cage, a netted area that will contain the balls after they are hit. By using a pitching machine and a batting cage, hitters can get a huge number of batting reps without having to drag other players or rip out the arms of team pitchers or coaches. The cost of pitching machines varies greatly. On the high end, the popular two-wheeled, JUGS model is a versatile and durable machine used by colleges and professionals. Low cost Red Dirt Baseball models are durable and more affordable for families.
[edit] See also
[edit] External Links
Choosing the Right Pitching Machine.Choosing the Right Pitching Machine.
Affordable Pitching MachinesRed Dirt Baseball offers affordable yet high quality pitching machines.
Pitching Machines for sale BeatThePitch.com offers a variety of pitching machines to choose from.
Pitching Machines BeAPro offers a wide selection and all are in stock. Same business day shipping.
[edit] Notes
- ^ Hinton, Charles, "A Mechanical Pitcher", Harper's Weekly, March 20, 1897, p. 301–302
- ^ Archived Internet reference
- ^ Hinton, Charles, "The Motion of a Baseball", The Yearbook of the Minneapolis Society of Engineers, May, 1908, p. 18–28
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