The first pitching machine design used a gun-powder-driven machine design called the Baseball Gun. Simply put, a pitching machine is a mechanical device that throws a baseball (or softball) to a batter. Selecting the appropriate age-level pitching machine for your childīy the way, I still own the Louisville Blue Flame, ATEC Rookie Baseball, and Hack Attack Junior pitching machines! What is a pitching machine?.Pros and cons of using it to train your child.Are they excited about practicing and can’t wait until the next game?Īs a father, coach, and league board member with experience in buying and maintaining pitching machines for personal and league use, I can provide insights on:.Have they been playing for a few years?.