Iron Mike Pitching Machines - Arm-Style Baseball & Softball Machines by Master Pitching Machine

Iron Mike pitching machines use a real throwing arm, so hitters see an arm swing and a release point on every pitch and can practice the same timing they need in a game. The design dates to 1953, and Master Pitching Machine has built it since 1976 for teams, schools, training facilities and serious players. The lineup runs from a compact youth trainer for the backyard to heavy-duty, high-capacity machines built for daily team use. For Pro Athletic Supply's coaches, athletic directors and facility managers, Iron Mike is the machine you buy once and keep for years.

✔ Real arm action for timing - Hitters watch the arm and release, then load and stride on cue, which builds the timing a wheel-only machine can't teach.
✔ Baseball and softball in one machine - With the right hand and ball stop installed, models throw baseball, fast pitch softball and slow pitch softball.
✔ Team-size ball capacity - The MP-4 and MP-6 hold up to 600 baseballs or 400 softballs, so practice keeps moving without constant reloading.
✔ Mechanically simple, built to last - A heavily reinforced frame and straightforward mechanism keep maintenance easy to learn and do yourself.
✔ Remote start from the batter's box - Full-size models include a remote with an 80-foot cord, so the hitter or coach controls the machine from the plate.
✔ Made in the USA - Every Iron Mike machine is manufactured in the United States.

The Iron Mike has been in continuous production for more than 70 years, and Master Pitching Machine reports that well-maintained machines have lasted for decades.

Heavy-Duty Team Pitching Machines (MP-4 and MP-6)

The MP-4 and MP-6 are Iron Mike's full-size, hopper-fed machines for programs that run hitters through all day. Both use the exclusive Iron Mike arm-and-hand system, adjust from 25 to 80 MPH, and hold up to 600 baseballs or 400 softballs. Both include hold-down clips for permanent installation, a lockable arm cover and a remote with an 80-foot cord. The MP-6 is Master Pitching Machine's most popular model, reinforced for heavy usage and suited to the widest range of team training. The MP-4 is the most rugged machine in the lineup and the model favored by professional players and teams. It adds extra frame reinforcement against batted balls, plus a standard Positive Feed Control so seamed balls flow reliably pitch after pitch. Positive Feed Control is available as an option on the MP-6.

Best for:

• High school, college and travel baseball and softball programs
• Training facilities and academies running back-to-back sessions
• Permanent indoor or outdoor batting cage installations

Portable Full-Size Pitching Machine (MP-5)

The MP-5 is a true Iron Mike with the same arm-and-hand system as the bigger machines, in Master Pitching Machine's slimmest full-size frame. It adjusts from 25 to 80+ MPH and throws baseball, fast pitch softball and slow pitch softball with the right hand installed. A 4-wheel transport system lets one person move it between the cage and the field. Ball capacity is smaller, at 38 baseballs or 28 softballs, which makes it a strong fit for individual hitters and small-group sessions rather than full-team rotations. An optional Ball Feed Enhancer keeps seamed balls flowing smoothly. The remote with an 80-foot cord and lockable arm cover are standard. For programs adding a second machine, or a serious player training at home, the MP-5 delivers full Iron Mike performance in a more portable package.

Best for:

• Individual hitters and private lessons
• Programs adding a second, movable machine to an existing setup
• Coaches who need one-person transport between field and cage

Youth Pitching Machine (C-82)

The C-82 is Iron Mike's compact youth trainer and the most portable machine in the lineup. It's built as the starting point for younger hitters learning to time an arm-style delivery. It adjusts from 20 to 60 MPH, holds 28 baseballs or 20 softballs, and throws baseballs, softballs and polyballs. A 2-wheel transport system makes it easy to roll between the backyard and the field. Like every Iron Mike, it uses the exclusive arm-and-hand system and includes a lockable arm cover. A remote with an 80-foot cord is available as an add-on. Master Pitching Machine positions the C-82 for youth and home use and does not recommend it for high school baseball or fast pitch softball programs. Older hitters should step up to the MP-5 or larger.

Best for:

• Youth players building timing and swing fundamentals
• Families setting up backyard or home batting practice
• Youth leagues and coaches working with younger age groups

Machine Guards and Feed Upgrades

The right accessories protect your machine and keep practice running smoothly. The Iron Mike machine guard with net shields the machine from batted balls, which protects your equipment over long seasons of heavy use. Feed upgrades matter if you train with seamed balls. The Positive Feed Control unit (standard on the MP-4, optional on the MP-6) and the Ball Feed Enhancer for the MP-5 keep seamed balls flowing reliably so the machine delivers consistent pitches. Conversion hands and ball stops let one machine switch between baseball, fast pitch softball and slow pitch softball. That's useful for schools and facilities serving both baseball and softball teams. Match every accessory to your exact model.

Best for:

• Protecting machines in cages that see heavy daily use
• Programs training with seamed baseballs or softballs
• Schools and facilities running both baseball and softball on one machine

Who This Is For

• High school and college baseball and softball programs
• Schools and athletic departments outfitting indoor and outdoor cages
• Training facilities and hitting academies running private and group sessions
• Travel ball and youth league coaches building team hitting routines
• Serious players and families investing in home batting practice
• Parks and recreation departments supporting baseball and softball leagues

How to Choose the Right Iron Mike Pitching Machine

Player age and level - Choose the C-82 for youth and home use. Choose the MP-5 for individual training at higher levels. Choose the MP-6 or MP-4 for high school, college and facility programs.

Speed range - The C-82 throws 20 to 60 MPH, which suits younger hitters. The MP-5 reaches 25 to 80+ MPH, and the MP-6 and MP-4 cover 25 to 80 MPH, enough for advanced players.

Ball capacity - For full-team rotations, the 600-baseball or 400-softball hoppers on the MP-4 and MP-6 keep practice moving. For one hitter at a time, the MP-5 and C-82 capacities are enough.

Durability and installation - For permanent cages with heavy daily use, the MP-4 adds extra frame reinforcement and standard Positive Feed Control. The MP-6 is reinforced for heavy use, and both include hold-down clips for permanent installation.

Baseball, softball or both - Every model can be set up for baseball and softball with the right hand and ball stop. Plan for conversion hands if one machine will serve both teams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between an arm-style and a wheel pitching machine?
A: An arm-style machine throws with a mechanical arm, so the hitter sees an arm swing and a release point like a live pitcher. That helps develop the timing to load, stride and swing at the right moment. Iron Mike pitching machines use this arm-and-hand design. Wheel machines launch the ball between spinning wheels with no visible delivery, which takes away that timing cue.

Q: How fast do Iron Mike pitching machines throw?
A: It depends on the model. The C-82 youth trainer adjusts from 20 to 60 MPH. The MP-5 adjusts from 25 to 80+ MPH, and the MP-6 and MP-4 adjust from 25 to 80 MPH. Every Iron Mike pitching machine throws with an overhand motion.

Q: Can one Iron Mike machine throw both baseball and softball?
A: Yes. The MP-4, MP-5, MP-6 and C-82 can pitch baseball, fast pitch softball and slow pitch softball. Switching between them requires the matching hand, and slow pitch softball also needs an additional ball stop.

Q: Which Iron Mike machine is best for a high school or college team?
A: The MP-6 is Master Pitching Machine's most popular model for team use, with a large 600-baseball hopper and a frame reinforced for heavy usage. The MP-4 adds extra frame reinforcement and standard Positive Feed Control for programs with the heaviest daily use. The C-82 is not recommended for high school baseball or fast pitch softball programs.

Q: Can Iron Mike training machines be used in a commercial batting cage?
A: The MP-4, MP-5, MP-6 and C-82 are training machines equipped for coach- and player-controlled practice. Master Pitching Machine notes they are not equipped with the controls needed for commercial batting cages open to the general public. Coin- or token-operated public cages require commercial-grade machines.

Q: Where are Iron Mike pitching machines made?
A: Every Iron Mike machine is made in the USA by Master Pitching Machine. The Iron Mike design dates back to 1953, and the company has produced its full line of pitching machines since 1976.

A hitter's timing gets built rep after rep against an arm they can read, and Iron Mike has delivered those reps since 1953. From the C-82 in the backyard to an MP-4 bolted into a college cage, these machines are made in the USA to run season after season. Whether you're outfitting a school program, a training facility or your own home cage, shop Iron Mike pitching machines at Pro Athletic Supply and give your hitters a delivery they can time.

Outfit your full program

Equipping a school, athletic department or training facility? Our Schools & Facilities page covers volume quotes and program-wide setups for teams that need more than one machine.

Round out your hitting setup with the full Baseball & Softball collection, including cages, screens, nets and practice gear for every level.

Need more pitching options? The Pitching Machines collection brings together machines for every age, speed and budget.