Abstract: A ball throwing machine includes a frame mounting a pair of rotary wheels provided with substantially identical pneumatic tires preferably made of non-marking rubber or synthetic elastomer and each having a diameter ranging between about 6-14 inches (15-35 cm); a wall depth ranging between about 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm); and a footprint ranging between about 0.25-6 inches (0.6-15 cm). The frame mounts a pair of electric motors each associated with one of the rotary wheels for rotating the latter, and the frame may support a battery source of electric potential for the electric motors.

Abstract: The ball throwing apparatus of this invention is formed of a flat main frame plate which mounts a rotary ball throwing wheel and a confronting pad spaced from the wheel slightly less than the diameter of a ball to be thrown. The pad is mounted for adjusting said space for alternatively engaging and throwing baseballs and softballs. The main frame plate is mounted on the upper end of a vertical post by a first pivot for adjustable rotation about a horizontal axis for adjusting the curvature of flight of a thrown ball. The lower end of the post is mounted on a second pivot for rotation about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the first pivot for adjusting the trajectory of flight of a thrown ball, the bearing for the second pivot is mounted on a leg supporting cup for rotation about a vertical axis for adjusting the horizontal direction of a thrown ball.

Abstract: A ball pitching device includes a ball feed tube mounted on support components which are adjustable about vertical and horizontal pivot axes to vary the horizontal and vertical positions of delivery of pitched balls relative to a practicing batter standing at the position of home plate. The device also includes a pair of ball projecting wheels rotated by electric motors the speeds of which are adjusted by controlling potentiometers. Eccentric cams are included in the support components for enabling incremental adjustments about the vertical and horizontal pivot axes, preferably without recognition by the practicing batter, to make incremental changes in the horizontal and vertical positions of delivery of pitched balls. The electric circuit of the drive motors also includes adjustable electric signal generators operatively connected to the support components providing for elevation adjustments, for effecting changes in motor speed in accordance with changes in elevation of the ball feed tube.