Using video to create the pitcher, Pro Batter helps batters work on their transition timing.
Although baseball season is albeit over (personally, I’m holding out for a Dodgers/Angels Freeway Series, but that hope is fading), this story shows how even in the dead of winter, the National Pass time can be enjoyed thanks to the PX2 Pitching Machine from Pro Batter.
Now pitching machines are nothing new, and neither are batting cages which use an automated machine to toss one pitch after another. But what makes the PX2 so cool is that it incorporates a video element to it which enables the batter to face a “live pitcher,” who winds up and throws the ball, then the pitch comes out, perfectly timed so as not to throw off the batter’s timing awaiting the pitch. The advantage here is that batters can work on their focus adjustment from the pitcher windup to the release of the ball.
The PX2 also throws a wide variety of pitches from off speed to fast balls to even breaking pitches to the left and right. There’s a total of 8 different pitches that can be programmed into the system, for both left and right handed pitchers, throwing in full windup or from the stretch. Speeds range from 40-100 miles and hour.
And the system is so realistic that Major League Baseball Teams are beginning to use the system in order to take batting practice during rainy day workouts. There’s even a “junior version” for little leaguers to work out with.
And while the price of the machines run around $45,000, Pro Batter also offers conversion kits to upgrade existing pitching machines with the video package, as well as a portable, trailer mounted model which inflates and is available for parties.
Check out the video of the PX2 in action here –
Hat Tip – http://craziestgadgets.com/2009/10/15/probatter-pitching-machine-with-live-pitcher-simulation/