Abstract: A portable ground supported cage has a spring actuated bat rotatable to pitch a ball received in a cup at the small diameter end of the bat. The springs actuating the bat rotate the bat in a vertical plane to pitch the ball at the speed and trajectory required for batting practice. The bat is cocked and then held in a cocked position by a release handle which rotates between locking and unlocking position relative to the bat to permit its release and consequent pitching of the ball. The rotation of the bat is limited by the restricting of the spring after the bat has moved beyond a perpendicular position relative to the longitudinal axis of the machine.