Junior Hack Attack Baseball Pitching Machine

Description:

The Junior Hack Attack Baseball Pitching Machine is a major-league-quality training tool specifically designed to develop serious young players. Its unique three-wheel design allows hitters to clearly see the ball throughout the feeding, acceleration, and release, mimicking a live pitcher. This feature is crucial for young players to improve their timing, vision, and stride—key components for hitting success. The Junior Hack Attack helps transform dedicated players into the “pros” they aspire to be by providing a realistic, live-arm experience.

Capable of throwing speeds up to 70+ MPH from 45 feet (simulating 90+ MPH), the Junior Hack Attack can effortlessly deliver fastballs, curveballs, sliders, and split fingers with pinpoint accuracy. The exclusive three-wheel system allows for easy pitch adjustments using speed dials, without the awkward repositioning required by two-wheel machines. With its inside/outside and elevation control, coaches can quickly move pitches up or down within the strike zone, making this machine ideal for developing young players’ skills across various pitch types and locations.

Designed for versatility and efficiency, the Junior Hack Attack throws 250-foot fungo fly balls and can pivot instantly for defensive drills. Its 5-second recovery time maximizes practice sessions, delivering more strikes with minimal delay. The machine is highly portable, easily rolling on and off the field, and built with durability in mind. For young players looking to take their game to the next level, the Junior Hack Attack is an invaluable training asset.

Specifications:

• Design: Unique three-wheel design for clear ball visibility throughout feeding, acceleration, and release.
• Pitching Speed: Throws up to 70+ MPH.
• Simulated Distance: Effective throwing distance of 45 feet (simulates 90+ MPH).
• Recovery Time: Fast 5-second recovery between pitches.
• Weight and Portability: Heavy enough to absorb recoil while still being easily movable by one person.
• Base: Extra-wide tripod base for stability on pitching mounds or playing surfaces.
• Durability: Rugged powder-coated, rust-proof steel frame for longevity and weather resistance.
• Throwing Wheels: Three powerful variable speed motors drive three indestructible 14” concave throwing wheels.
• Ball Compatibility: Compatible with regulation leather baseballs, dimpled practice balls, Wiffle balls, and soft practice balls (not synthetic leather).
• Conversion: Can quickly convert to throw a special 7.5” vision training ball for improved centering and tracking.

Features:

• Pitching Variety: Effortlessly throws major league fastballs, right and left-handed curveballs, sliders, and split fingers.
• Pitch Adjustment: Inside/outside adjustment for instant changes in ball location at the plate, allowing for:
  • Centering of the first pitch without machine shifting.
  • Easy inside or outside pitch adjustments with a simple turn of a handle.
  • Quick elevation control to move pitches within the strike zone.
• Fungo Capability: Pivots instantly for fungo work, delivering 250-foot fly balls, slicing line drives, catcher’s pop-ups with reverse spin, towering infield pop-ups, and grounders.
• Practice Efficiency: Maximizes practice time with minimal throwing head adjustments.
• Transportation: Quickly rolls on and off the field using heavy-duty transporting wheels; front wheel guards protect throwing wheels from ground contact.
• Assembly: Arrives fully assembled and ready for immediate use.
• Vision and Accuracy: Complete ball vision for a realistic sense of timing and accuracy through three-point gripping, providing exceptional control.
• Reliability: Throwing wheels designed to outlast competitors and resist heat exposure.
  

Additional Information:

Weight: 105 lbs

Dimensions: 35 × 23 × 21 in

Shipping-weight: 94 lbs

Shipping-dimensions: 21 x 23 x 35 in

The Junior Hack Attack comes with a two-year warranty.

Design:

• Three-wheel configuration provides clear visibility of the ball throughout the feeding motion, acceleration, and release, mimicking a live pitcher.
• Pitch adjustment allows for instant, precise changes in ball location at the plate.
• Elevation control with a simple handle adjusts pitch height for precise placement within the strike zone.
• Dial system enables effortless throwing of major league fastballs and breaking pitches (curveballs, sliders, split fingers) without complex adjustments.
• Fungo versatility with a pivoting throwing head allows for diverse fungo work, including deep fly balls, slicing line drives, catcher’s pop-ups, towering infield pop-ups, and grounders.
• Portability with a tilting design and heavy-duty transporting wheels for quick setup and teardown.
• Durable construction using high-tensile, heat-treated alloy and weather-resistant aluminum casting for the throwing head.
• Quick conversion capability to throw a 7.5” vision training ball for enhanced centering and tracking.

Quality:

• Stability with an extra-wide tripod base ensures safety and stability on pitching mounds and playing surfaces.
• Recoil absorption heavy enough to absorb recoil, ensuring accuracy during pitches.
• Rugged frame with powder-coated, rust-proof steel designed for durability and long-lasting use.
• Throwing wheels with three powerful variable speed motors drive three indestructible 14” concave throwing wheels that outlast competitors and resist heat exposure.
• Ball compatibility designed for regulation leather baseballs, dimpled practice balls, Wiffle® balls, and soft practice balls; not compatible with synthetic leather balls due to wear.
• Speed and distance with throws at speeds of 70+ MPH and an effective distance of 45 feet, simulating 90+ MPH pitches.
• Vision and accuracy offering complete ball vision for realistic timing; grip in three locations provides exceptional control and accuracy.
• Efficiency maximizes practice time with minimal throwing head adjustments and a fast 5-second recovery time between pitches.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the weight of the Junior broken down?

Without the Junior legs – approx. 75 lbs, including the base. Without legs and base – 65 lbs.

What is the size of the Junior broken down?

With the base – approx. 25” long x 20” wide x 26” tall; Without the base – approx. 17” long x 20” wide x 24” tall

Which machine is best for younger players?

The Junior is perfect for young players up through high school and also for older players if used at a 50’ distance. The Junior is currently in use at even the major league level!

What type of assembly is necessary upon first receipt of my new Junior and are there any special tools required?

Your new pitching machine will arrive fully assembled and ready for your immediate use. No assembly or special tools are required.

How is the Junior most commonly transported?

One person can lift this compact unit. It fits in any vehicle, even a Mini Cooper.

How is the Junior moved around the baseball field?

The Junior is provided with large rolling wheels for moving the machine on and off the field. (Other machines are positioned on the throwing wheels to roll them on and off the field. This can affect the surface of the throwing wheels and eventually affect the performance of the pitches.) The Junior’s throwing wheels come in contact with nothing other than a baseball!

What type of balls will the Junior throw?
9 Inch baseballs, regulation full grain leather, pitching machine leather balls, polyurethane pitching machine balls, whiffle balls or foam balls. Do not use synthetic leather balls under any circumstances as they will not only wear rapidly, but will often leave a ball material buildup on the throwing wheels.

What is the height of the ball release point of the machine, will it fit the cut-out of a L-shaped protective screen?

The release point for the Junior Hack Attack is 42″, fitting standard L-shaped screens with extended legs only.

How accurate is the Junior?

The Junior has a unique three-wheel design, the ball is gripped in three locations (as opposed to two in other machines), providing tremendous control and accuracy.

What are the full load operating amps for the Junior?

The machine draws up to 12 amps when running; a 15-20-amp service is recommended for operation.

Can the machines be operated with a generator?

Yes, however the generator must generate “clean electricity”. We recommend a minimum of 1000W up to 2000W Honda generator with inverter technology. Weight of these generators is approximately 27 lbs, similar to the weight of a battery, and they are extremely portable.

What is the range of ball speeds the machine can deliver?

The Junior can deliver a pitch at any speed from 35 to 70 mph. Most youth hitters hit at a speed of 50-55 mph.

What type of pitches can the Junior deliver?

Any pitch can be delivered, including, but not limited to fastballs, curve balls, sliders, sinkers, breaking pitches, etc. (Note that all of these can be accomplished by simply changing the speed of the wheels unlike all two-wheel machines that need to tilt the throwing head to deliver a curve ball.)

What adjustments need to be made to change speed and curves on the machine?

Simply adjust the relative speed of each of the throwing wheels. A pitch selection chart is provided on both machines as a reference for setting various pitches. No tilting of the throwing head is ever required for curve balls, sliders, etc.

What adjustment is required to change the elevation of a pitch on the machines?

An elevation adjustment handle is provided that will raise or lower the pitch 4-6 inches (depending on ball speed) for each revolution of the handle. 

What is the recovery time between pitches for the machine?

The Junior has a recovery time of 3-5 seconds; because of the three wheels, it is almost instant.

What is the advantage of a three-wheel machine as compared to other designs?
Vision/Timing: 

The design of the Junior, with three throwing wheels, ensures that the batter never loses sight of the ball. A batter will lose sight of the ball on a 2-wheel machine because of the location of the top throwing wheel. The most common complaint from coaches and hitters of a 2-wheel machine is the fact that the loss of vision affects the batters timing.

• Ball Control: The Junior, with three throwing wheels, provides greater accuracy than any other pitching machine.
• Wheel and Ball Wear: Since less gripping is required, both wear on the throwing wheels and wear on the ball is greatly reduced.

What happens when a ball is hit back into the machine?
The Junior is virtually indestructible. The machine has both front and rear guards that protect the throwing wheels.

The Junior is heavier than competitive machines, why is heavier better?
More mass absorbs recoil resulting in extreme accuracy. This machine is stable and does not move around from recoil. All weight is centered over mid-point, no cantilevering like with other machines. Regardless of weight, due to the unique design, this machine is more portable than other lighter units.

How long and complicated is the process to convert the baseball machine to a softball machine?
It is extremely uncomplicated. The Junior takes about 5-10 minutes.

How is repair and service handled for the Junior?
Components parts are designed to be easily replaced in the field, local assistance is not required. Only a few common tools are required to complete any repair.

What is the warranty on the Junior pitching machine?
Warranty is provided for a period of two (2) years from the date of original purchase based on the serial number and date codes on the unit.