Abstract: Apparatus and method for mechanically "pitching" a ball to a batter for the purpose of batting practice. A ball tethered to the end of a cord is revolved about a motorized base unit. The batter approaches the operating machine and positions him or herself so that they are positioned to bat the ball as it circles past them. The pitching machine has several elements for varying the "pitch" of the ball so that the batter is less likely to be able to anticipate the nest pitch thereby increasing his batting abilities. The ability of the entire machine to rock or wobble during operation, acts to produce a randomness in the pitches so that there is no pattern in the pitches delivered to the batter.