A baseball pitching machine that is configured to precisely index and spin a baseball before pitching the baseball. The machine comprises a baseball spinner and launcher that is configured to spin the baseball using at least one spindle, and then launch or pitch the ball using air (i.e., pneumatic). Preferably, the position of the ball spinner and launcher can be adjusted in terms of position in both the x and y directions (i.e., both side to side, and up and down), as well as its angle. The baseball pitching machine is configured to be controllable such that pitches (in terms of type, location and velocity) can be changed on a pitch-by-pitch basis.

The ball-projecting batting tee comprises a support base, a support column, and a remote control. The ball-projecting batting tee may be a batting practice aid that may be placed on top of home plate and may pneumatically project a ball upwards from the top of the support column to simulate a pitch. The ball-projecting batting tee may be adapted to project the ball upwards under the control of a coach using the remote control. As non-limiting examples, the ball may be a baseball or a whiffle ball. A directional cover located at the top of the support column may pivot to direct the ball towards first base or towards third base to simulate outside and inside pitches.

A softball pitching machine in accordance with the present disclosure is configured to lob a softball along an arcuate path with forward spin to mimic the motion of an underhand, slow pitched softball from a human pitcher. The softball pitching machine includes a throwing arm having a curved hand configured to move along a predetermined arcuate path to a preset stopping point that imparts the arcing path and the forward spin on the softball.

The present invention provides a ball container utilized in conjunction with existing standard storage bins for storing and dispensing sporting balls to the upper opening of the storage bins. The present invention further provides a ball container utilized by hanging from a stand for storing and dispensing sporting balls to the upper opening of the ball container.

A baseball game system is capable of accurately determining a location of a ball using a single camera, the baseball game system including: a pitching unit pitching a ball toward a determination area including a strike zone; a photographing unit positioned in a space between the determination area and the pitching unit; and a location detector detecting a location of a ball based on a plurality of images from the photographing unit. The location detector includes a non-stroke processor detecting a location of a non-struck ball and a stroke processor detecting a location of a struck ball. The non-stroke processor sets first, second, third and fourth straight lines defining the strike zone; calculates, when the ball in the image passes between the first straight line and the second straight line, an average size of the balls between the first straight line and the second straight line; and detects a vertical location of the ball in the determination area based on the average size.

A ball tossing device has a base and a lever, with the lever having a foot portion and a tossing portion, and the base acting as a fulcrum for the lever. In some examples, the foot portion and the tossing portion may be removably coupled to one another. In some examples, a method of using the ball tossing device includes a user placing a ball on the tossing portion, stomping a foot on the foot portion, thereby actuating the lever and tossing the ball upward from the tossing portion, and then hitting the ball with a bat.

An apparatus for facilitating soft tossing of balls for players. The apparatus includes a body, a launching device, a storage device, a timer, and an output device. The body includes a top side and a bottom side opposing the top side. The body includes a launching platform on the top side. The launching platform includes a launching station on the launching platform. The launching device is coupled with the launching station and launches a ball disposable on the launching station in an upwardly vertical direction in relation to the launching platform for soft tossing the ball based on signals. The storage device stores timing information. The timer is communicatively coupled with the storage device and the launching device and generates the signals based on initiating the timer and the timing information. The output device is communicatively coupled with the timer and presents an output based on the signals.

A pitching machine pitch type and speed data providing method is carried out by a service providing apparatus connected to a user terminal through a network, and the method includes the steps of acquiring player data having pitch types and command percentages by pitcher in real game situations, converting the player data into pitch type and speed data of a given pitching machine, receiving a request message for the player data, and providing the pitch type and speed data corresponding to the player data for the user terminal in response to the request message for the player data.

The present invention comprises a unique system and method for providing adaptable ball delivery and tracking, including appropriate sensor hardware, interactive gameplay user interfaces and point of sales systems. The system and method of the present invention are especially relevant to baseball and softball as, among other components, the system comprises a vertical, ground-up soft toss ball delivery mechanism, automated player and ball-tracking devices, and ball-collection and transport systems. The ball collection and return components eliminate the need for “fielders” and enable the creation of the first “batting range”. The vertical, ground-up soft-toss pitch machine further enables the first multi-story batting facility with player batting bays that open onto a sports field. Further, certain embodiments of the present invention integrate hitting screens, augmented reality display and simultaneous coordination of gameplay and communication between players, regardless of the players' physical location.

Ejector devices and methods for golf putting training are provided. An ejector device can be configured for placement in a regulation golf hole. The ejector device can include a top member connected to a base by a lift mechanism. The lift mechanism is operated by a motor in response to commands received from a controller. The controller can selectively actuate the motor and cause the lift mechanism to raise the top member relative to the base, to thereby eject a golf ball from the hole. Such actuation can be in response to detecting the receipt of a selected number of golf balls in the hole. Alternatively, the ejector device can be operated in response to an actuation command entered by a user through a remote control device wirelessly connected to the ejector device.