Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 32.7 x 10 x 6.7 inches |
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Package Weight | 10.37 Kilograms |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 32 x 14 x 6 inches |
Item Weight | 11.9 Pounds |
Brand Name | Louisville Slugger |
Warranty Description | 60 Days Against Defects |
Model Name | UPM 45 |
Color | Blue |
Material | Metal |
Suggested Users | unisex-teen |
Manufacturer | Louisville Slugger |
Part Number | L60111 |
Model Year | 2013 |
Style | Pitching Machine |
Included Components | Pitching Machine Parts |
Size | Not OK |
Sport Type | Baseball |
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Louisville Slugger Blue Flame Pitching Machine
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Purchase options and add-ons
- Throws any type of ball, hard balls, fast pitch softballs, dimple balls, light flight, plastic and even soccer and volleyballs
- Throws hard balls from 18 to 45 mph with easy to adjust speed controls. And throws light flight and plastic balls up to 60 mph; Throws slowpitch softballs with up to a 12 inches arch
- Throws a level pitch to help teach proper swing mechanics. Extremely accurate for throwing strikes, fly balls and even grounders.
- The official pitching machine of both Babe Ruth League and Pony Baseball and Softball
- It is completely manual, needs no electricity or batteries and is light weight and easy to move from field to field, weighs less than 25 lbs.
- Great to set up to use for a variety of drills
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Product information
Technical Details
Additional Information
ASIN | B000VZ2Q5G |
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Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #3,939 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors) #3 in Baseball & Softball Pitching Machines |
Date First Available | September 13, 2007 |
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Customer Review: Best bang for your buck.
Stacey Smith
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10 Year REVIEW & DEMO Louisville Slugger Pitching Machine
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Customer Review: Blue Flame, Red Flame 🔥
Jeremy and Stacy
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Blue Flame pitching machine
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, value, ease of assembly, performance, and hitting of the pitching machine. For example, they mention it's a high quality machine that throws pretty consistent pitches, it'll last for quite a while, and it'd be a good buy for entry level youth practices. That said, they say it' a useful tool for teaching hitting, and that it works great for both hitting and infield drills.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the quality of the pitching machine. They say it is a high quality product that works as advertised, and provides consistent pitches. Customers also mention that it is solid and well built, and should last for years.
"...The first key to this machine for training is that it pitches consistently (left/right) where it is pointed...." Read more
"This machine is very durable and easy to set up and use. Throws the baseballs over the plate every time...." Read more
"...at first base and blocking pitches behind the plate, because it provides consistent -- but not too consistent -- "bad" throws for them to field...." Read more
"...This machine gives very hittable pitches better than I can throw...." Read more
Customers appreciate the value of the product. They say it's well worth the price, and the replacement balls are inexpensive. Customers also say it is a good buy for entry-level youth practices, and an excellent product.
"...7. For what you get (a decent pitching machine) this is really reasonably priced (I paid $172 here on Amazon)...." Read more
"...That in and of itself is worth the purchase price.The second is that the machine throws the same speed every time...." Read more
"...product and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable pitching machine for their son or daughter." Read more
"...is a 8 year old team and the pitching machine has been a great addition to our practices." Read more
Customers find the assembly of the product to be easy. They mention that the manual is well written, and it didn't take them but about 10 minutes to assemble the machine. Customers also appreciate the ample instruction on how to configure the machine to pitch.
"...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..." Read more
"...It was very easy to set up and very easy to learn how to make adjustments for pitch location (left/right/up/down)...." Read more
"This machine is very durable and easy to set up and use. Throws the baseballs over the plate every time...." Read more
"...It is easy to set up. Once set up correctly, anyone can operate it...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the performance of the pitching machine. For example, they mention it works well for both batting and fielding practice, and it's easy to set up. Some are also impresseded with the functionality and design. Overall, customers are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...It works great for both when set up properly...." Read more
"...I used a 1/4 x 2" machine bolt with a simple wing nut. It works great and keeps the spring on the foot board with no issues...." Read more
"Very light and portable. It works well at lower speeds for sure. I used it a bit at the higher speeds as well...." Read more
"...Not the best way, but it worked excellently and continues to do so!..." Read more
Customers say the product is a very useful tool for teaching hitting, fielding grounders, and catching. They say it has definitely helped their hitting, and is great for practice. Customers also mention that it's a nice product for youth baseball practice, or alternative coach pitch. They also say it'll allow them to get a good amount of practice in, and that it can be used for practicing short hops at first base and blocking pitches behind. Customers say it is able to improve their hitting immensely.
"...The season was a huge success! The parents and audience in the stands were so surprised at how well the girls were hitting from the previous year!..." Read more
"...It's probably most useful for practicing short hops at first base and blocking pitches behind the plate, because it provides consistent -- but not..." Read more
"...Other than that, it pitches a ball and works for both softball and baseball...." Read more
"...using this for only a week or so and there is already a big difference in his confidence and his ability to connect with the ball...." Read more
Customers like the adjustability of the baseball machine. They mention that it has several adjustments you can make in order to have the right height and distance. The micro-adjustment works nice, and the speed, arch, and distance can be controlled. Customers also appreciate that the machine can be adjusted to provide a good range of pitch options for batters.
"...The machine has so many micro adjustments that makes it simple to pitch faster or slower, slowpitch or fastpitch, and even pop flies..." Read more
"Used this for tennis. Found it to have good range and launch speed. A bit of tinkering to get the shot right but that’s to be expected...." Read more
"...Pros: No power needed. Easy assembly, easy adjustment, pitches with enough variability but still within strike zone, so fees realistic...." Read more
"...The micro height adjustment seems not to do anything. Also, the two height adjustment screw knobs all have lock nuts...." Read more
Customers like the speed of the pitching machine. They say it can range from 18mph to 45mph, making it perfect for fast pitch training. Customers also appreciate the simple speed change, which allows them to see consistent and quick pitching. They mention that the machine makes hitting practice go faster and that the hitters are not afraid at the plate.
"...The second is that the machine throws the same speed every time...." Read more
"...I love that the speed can range from 18mph to 45mph...." Read more
"...adjustments that makes it simple to pitch faster or slower, slowpitch or fastpitch, and even pop flies (although I have only used it for fastpitch)...." Read more
"...It does take some time to get the pitches where you want them. I am still trying to figure out how the micro adjustment works...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the accuracy of the pitching machine. Some mention it's extremely accurate once they figure it out, while others say it lacks consistent accuracy. Some say that it'll throw accurate pitches with softballs and baseballs, while still being easy to carry and travel well. However, some customers also mention that the machine is inconsistent and not bulls-eye precise.
"It's a simple contraption but brilliantly designed: easy to assemble, accurate, easy to adjust, light, usable by a 9 year old (with effort), very..." Read more
"...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..." Read more
"...Fairly accurate and when it’s not it’s good for them to read the ball. I like that you can use any baseballs...." Read more
"I love this pitching maching. It's deadly accurate once you get it dialed in...." Read more
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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.
The first key to this machine for training is that it pitches consistently (left/right) where it is pointed. Once aligned across the plate (very easy to do), it doesn't throw inside or outside, so you don't have to worry about hitting your kid standing there at the plate. That in and of itself is worth the purchase price.
The second is that the machine throws the same speed every time. This also is good since it is very tough to both get the ball across the plate and throw at the same speed again and again and again.
The third key to this machine is that it requires NO POWER. The importance of that is hard to overstate. Most fields don't have power or a power cord set up for pitching. Also, you may not be allowed to play on the diamond, but rather in the outfield or some other part of the park. With this machine, that is no worry whatsoever. It's just a simple catapult with two cleats that anchor it to the ground.
I have found that the height of the pitches varies a bit from pitch to pitch-(probably from the knees to the middle of the chest) you have to put the ball in the machine the same way each time, and use the same kind of balls, otherwise it moves around. The way you pull the release (slow or fast) also has an effect. Once you fling 5-10 balls, you should easily get the hang of it
Adjusting the height can take a little work (5-10 min). There are three adjustments for the height and one for power. I usually dial in the amount of power I want, then muck with the two main height adjustments. The micro height adjustment seems not to do anything. Also, the two height adjustment screw knobs all have lock nuts. This is good, but it also is easy for these to fall on the ground and get lost. Once set, it is pretty good to go for a while.
How does this compare with a $500-1000 machine (two wheels spinning, electric, etc...). Much better in my opinion. In the boys coach pitch league we were in, it seemed the "machine" could never be adjusted properly. Too high, too fast, too low, whatever. Usually, setting up the machine burned the first 15 minutes of each game. I think that we made it through one game without replacing the expensive machine with coaches by the end. We used the UPM 45 for one game and it went surprisingly smoothly. I know that some leagues elsewhere use only these machines.
I also like the machine because you can see the mechanism as it throws, rather than having to eye a hole for the ball to poot out of as in a spinning wheel type machine.
Also, it throws basically anything. Baseballs, softballs, even soccer balls. If you set the height way up, it can throw decent fly balls-good for those of us without 100s of softball throws in our arms each practice!
With regards to speed, if you are considering the faster model I would say don't bother unless you are headed to high school. For baseballs, this thing can throw as hard or harder than 90% of the 10-11 year old boys out there. With regards to softball, I would say the speed on max is faster than 95% of the middle school girls fastpitch pitchers.