04 - Beginner Pitching Machine
Table of Contents:
04.2 - Project Analysis and Prototype
04.7 - Conclusion & Future Work
Team Members:
Oscar Brown-Velasquez, Robert Lim, Daniel Agbara, Safir Alqahtani, & Charles Gundlach
Project:
When learning how to ride a bike, training wheels provide a safe and gradual transition toward full independence. Our project applies this same philosophy to youth baseball training. Currently, young players typically practice using either a stationary tee or a high-speed flywheel pitching machine. While both are effective at certain stages, there is a noticeable gap between these two extremes, leaving few options for players to focus on developing proper hitting form and fundamentals before facing high-speed pitches.
This project addresses that gap by developing a small-scale, low-speed pitching machine designed specifically for young child athletes transitioning from tee ball to live pitching. By delivering pitches at controlled, moderate speeds, the device allows players to build confidence, timing, and proper mechanics without the pressure of reacting to overly fast pitches.
By applying principles of kinematics and mechanism design, our team successfully designed and prototyped a system capable of consistently launching baseballs at reduced speeds for learning. The result is an accessible training tool that supports skill development while maintaining simplicity, safety, and ease of use.