FirstPitch FAQS & Trouble Shooting

FAQS

Q. What forms of payments do you accept?

We currently accept orders via PayPal or credit card over the phone at 1 763-219-8895. We also accept purchase orders from schools and organizations.

Q. How do I set up a First Pitch Machine?

1. Insert legs until buttons snap in place
2. Install ball tube for proper size ball with small wing nut on top
3. Inflate tire 17-20 psi
4. Tighten lug nuts
5. Adjust skid plate with power off to approximately 1/4"
6. Pitch angle is adjusted with large wing nut near bottom
7. Adjust speed and angle of pitch

Q. How much is shipping?

The cost of shiping is a flat rate depending on the pitching machine ordered and is clearly marked on each product page. Insurance is included within the continental U.S. and shipped FedEx.
We guarantee your order will arrive promptly and in working order

Q. What types of balls are best to use?

Both the First Pitch and Baseline Machines will throw any kind of baseball or softball. Regular stitched balls work well and the dimple balls are also a good choice. Softer foam balls are good for indoor practice but if they are lighter they may not throw as fast. The important thing to remember is that all the balls should be the same and in similar condition for consistent pitches

  

Q. What is the difference between the First Pitch Original and the First Pitch XL?

Both of these machines have the same motor and controller and for the most part are the same. There are three basic differences. First whereas the original has longer legs for baseball and shorter legs for softball, The XL has legs that pivot within the machine so that only one set of legs is required. Secondly while the original will tip forward for ground balls and back to throw fly balls or high arc pitches, the XL will do all this plus it will tip all the way back to throw pop flies. The Third difference is that the XL has a 360-degree swivel feature.

Q. Do I need to buy anything additional to use all the features of the machine?

No all three machines come with the ball tubes for baseball and softball. The baseline has reversible legs for baseball and softball and the XL has legs that adjust for baseball or softball. The only exception is that the First Pitch Original comes with long legs for baseball or short legs for softball, or you can order it with both for an extra $39.50

Q. What is it that sets the First pitch apart from other pitching machines?

The First Pitch original and the First Pitch XL both carry a full five-year warranty. The Motor is a 1/3 HP U.S. made motor, which is more powerful than most machines on the market. But more significant than that, is the construction of the motor. It features a 7/8-inch Diameter shaft and a 1-inch bearing. Only one other machine offers this durability and that machine cost hundreds of dollars more.

Q. How does the Baseline machine compare to other machines on the market?

The Baseline pitching machines was acquired by First Pitch in 2007. We have since made some improvements to the machine and offer it at a very competitive price. The machine comes with ball feed tubes for baseball and softball. It has reversible legs to set the machine higher for baseball or lower for softball. The Baseline offers a full 360-degree swivel, and will tip forward for ground balls and all the way back for pop ups and anywhere in between. The Baseline machine offers all of the versatility of the First Pitch

 

XL in a smaller low cost machine. The Baseline, just like all the other First Pitch machines, has a five year warranty that includes accidental damage during normal use.

Q. Is my First Pitch warranty transferable?

Yes. We believe that allowing a transfer of the warranty helps to hold the value of our machines even when they are used.

Q. At what distance is the speed measured?

The speed is measured with a radar gun at sixty feet, measuring the speed of the ball as it exits the machine. Of course the ball is moving as the radar gun is measuring it but the speed is measured close to the machine as it is when measuring the speed of a live pitch.

Trouble Shooting

Q. What do I do if I am not getting a good pitch from a new machine?

There are a couple of things to check. First, check the tire pressure and make sure that it is between 17 and 20 pounds of pressure. Second, make sure that the skid plate (this is the plate that the tire pushes the ball against to throw it) is set low enough that the tire gets a good pinch on the ball. The space between the tire and the skid plate should be one quarter to one half inch smaller than the balls you are using. Third, try scuffing the tire with some fine grade sandpaper. New tires sometimes have what we call a "shine" on them (it almost looks like a varnish). A tire with a little wear on it pitches better than a new out of the box.

Q. What do I do if my new Baseline vibrates like mad right out of the box?

Baselines are shipped with the tire unattached and the consumer does have to put the tire on the machine. This tire needs to be attached with the lug nuts we supplied. Please make sure to put the lug nuts on with the tapered side towards the rim. This locks down the wheel, just like it does on your car tires. If you have the flat side of the lug nuts facing towards the rim, your tire is going to vibrate like crazy.

 

Q. My BaseLine Machine Swivels Even Though I have Tighten The Knob

Check the knob that tightens the machine from swiveling. There is a flat spot on the shaft and the Knob must be lined up on the flat spot and tighten there to prevent the machine from swiveling.

Q. My Tire Causes MY Pitching Machine to Vibrate.

It's not unusual for your tire to shimmy a bit. It will straighten out at a higher speed.

Q. My pitching machine shoots balls erratically!

Check your tire pressure.  It should be between 17psi and 21 psi. 

Adjust the skid plate.  It should be 1/4" to 1/2" smaller than the balls. 

Or, check the skid plate itself.  If there is build up on it, clean it off.

Check your balls.  Older balls that are worn will shoot off and not be as straight.

Use a little sandpaper to rough up your tire surface.

Q. My Pitching Machine seems to be slowing down and or stopping.

Keep your pitching machine clean and dry.  Moisture getting into the motor can cause the brushes to build up and this will really slow your machine down or maybe cause it to stop.

Q. What watt generator is needed to run the pitching machines?

For the FirstPitch Original, Baseline and XL pitching machines you need a 1,000 watt minimum generator. For the FirstPitch Curveball Pitching Machine you need at least a 1,500 watt generator.

Q. I seem to have performance fluctuations.

You must use at least a 16 gauge, 3 conductor electrical cords. It is recommended that you plug the electrical cord in to a GFI outlet. Most importantly do not have the extension cord too long as this is very hard on the motor the further you are away from the power source and cause poor performance.

Q. What does the numbers on the Pitching Machine Dials Mean?

The pitching machines have dials ranging from 0 to 7 on the Baseline Model and 0 to 100 on the Curveball Model.  These dials are meant to be approximate.  7 on the dial does not necessarily mean exactly 70 miles per hour. 

Q. Dose the type of Balls make any difference?

Our pitching machines are designed to throw a variety of balls, from baseballs on up to 11" and 12" softballs.  If you prefer to throw slower pitches then dimple balls are best.  And the softballs will be slightly slower than baseballs.