First Pitch Original Baseball-Softball Pitching Machine
If you are in need of a pitching machine that brings the heat but will not break the bank, the First Pitch Original Pitching Machine is for you! Many little leagues are turning to the Original Pitching Machine for their practices and machine pitch games. The machine throws up to 80 MPH which challenges hitters transitioning from little league to middle school.
Reasons to Buy the First Pitch Original
1/3 HP Motor
The First Pitch Original comes with a stronger motor than the First Pitch Baseline and other similarly priced pitching machines in the industry. The Original comes with a 1/3 HP Motor.
Throws up to 80 MPH
One of the biggest advantages of the First Pitch Original is that it throws pitches up to 80 MPH. Comparable machines, such as the JUGS MVP, only throw upwards of 60 MPH. The First Pitch Original has a lot more power from its motor, allowing it to throw at these top speeds.
Combines Steel & Aluminum
First Pitch builds the structure of the machine with a combination of steel and aluminum. The steel makes the machine strong and durable, while the aluminum allows the machine to keep at a low weight.
Lightweight Design
As mentioned above, First Pitch builds the machine with aluminum. The weight of the Original machine is only 60 pounds. This makes the machine easy to move on and off the ball fields. The machine becomes even lighter and more portable when the legs are unattached.
Commercial Grade Pitching Machine
The First Pitch Original is a commercial grade machine due to its steel/aluminum design and the durability of the wheels. The machine will operate like new for years to come.
Steel Construction
The machine is built with steel to withstand the abuse it will take over the years. Plenty of line drives will hit the pitching machines, however, the steel frame will protect the machine from damage. A steel plate protects the motor of the machine.
Pitches Real Baseballs & Softballs
The First Pitch Original throws real leather baseballs, 11” softballs, and 12” softballs. The machine also throws pitching machine balls, dimpled balls, and other practice balls.
Easy to Use Speed Dial
The Original has a speed dial that goes 0 through 8, representing 0 MPH to 80 MPH. Place the dial in between numbers to throw a pitch in the middle of the two speeds. For example, if you want to throw a 65 MPH pitch, you place the dial between the six and seven.
Made in the USA
First Pitch Machines manufactures all their machines in the USA. They build the machines in their warehouse in Minnesota. The motor used for each machine is a USA made Leeson Motor.
First Pitch Original FAQ
Q: What is the difference between the First Pitch Baseline and the First Pitch Original?
A: The First Pitch Original has two major advantages over the First Pitch Baseline. The First Pitch Original can throw pitches up to 80 MPH, while the Baseline only goes up to 70 MPH. The Original also comes with a stronger 1/3 HP motor compared to the ¼ HP Motor that comes with the Baseline. The downside of the First Pitch Original Machine is that it has limited fielding capabilities. The Original does not have the same range of motion as the Baseline.
Q: What is the difference between the First Pitch Original and the First Pitch XL?
A: The machines are similar when it comes to batting practice. They come with the same motor, same steel/aluminum construction, and are both able to throw pitches up to 80 MPH. The difference is in the fielding capabilities. The XL is on 360-degree swivel, like the Baseline, allowing it to spread pitches all over the field. If you are looking to use the machine exclusively for hitting exercises, the Original is the way to go. If you plan on using the machine for fielding, look at the Baseline or XL.
Q: What type of balls do you recommend for the pitching machine?
A: The Original throws both baseballs and softballs. It will throw real leather baseballs & softballs, dimpled balls, pitching machine balls, and other practice balls.
Q: Can I save time by using the softball chute for baseballs rather than switching the chute out?
A: Yes, you can. However, we strongly recommend using the baseball chute for baseballs and the softball chute for softballs. The reason is that a baseball will have more “wiggle” room going through a softball chute causing the pitch to not be as accurate. The baseball going through the baseball chute will keep the ball steady and, in the direction, needed to create the most accurate pitch.
Q: How long does the pitching machine wheel take to recover after each pitch?
A: The machine will take 5-8 seconds for the wheel to fully recover to the speed prior to the pitch. The recovery will give the batter enough time to get ready for the next pitch.
Q: Can the machine run on a generator?
A: Yes, the machine can run off a 1000W (or greater) generator. It also runs on 110v electric.
Warranty Information
First Pitch warrants the operability of your pitching machine for 5 full years for residential and non-commercial use and for 1 full year for commercial use from the date of purchase. This warranty covers all mechanical and electrical parts against manufacturers defect or premature failure during reasonable normal use. Commercial use is defined as Batting cage or training facility for hire. Schools and leagues are considered non-commercial use.
Jack –
Didn’t realize that the Original Pitching Machine was not meant for defensive training at the time of purchase. Wish I upgraded to the XL, however, this is a great machine and has really helped improve my son’s hitting over the course of the last couple summers.