Updated October 29, 2026 · 7 min read
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Reviewed hereA fun backyard toy for young hitters, not a training machine4.1★ · 9,396 ratings on AmazonCheck price on Amazon →4.1★ · 9,396 ratings
A fun backyard toy for young hitters, not a training machine
The Franklin MLB Electronic Pitching Machine tosses a plastic ball every 7 seconds, with a flashing light to warn the batter. It comes with six plastic balls and has three angle settings. With more than 9,000 ratings, it is one of the most-bought kids baseball toys on Amazon.
Its 4.1★ rating hides a real split. Parents love that it suits young kids, but quality and durability are clear negatives in the review topics. This review explains both sides.
The short answer
Our verdict: a fun first pitching machine for kids aged about 3 to 7, if you accept it may not last long.
It is age-appropriate and keeps kids swinging, but quality (194 mentions) and durability (176) are the top complaints. Treat it as a toy, not a training tool.
Buy it if
- Your child is 3 to 7 and loves hitting
- You want backyard fun without a parent pitching
- You will use the included plastic balls and a plastic bat
- You are fine with toy-level durability
Skip it if
- Your child is 8+ and plays kid-pitch
- You want real baseballs or faster pitches
- You need a machine that lasts several seasons
- You want a training tool for serious practice
What you get
Grow-with-Me Tee (alternative)4.4★, 18,000+. A cheaper, simpler way to practice hitting.See it on Amazon →The machine is battery powered and must be used with the included plastic aero balls. Franklin says not to use regulation baseballs or tee balls, and suggests a plastic bat.
Key specs
| Spec | Franklin Pitching Machine |
|---|---|
| Pitch rate | One ball every 7 seconds |
| Settings | 3 angle adjustments |
| Signal | Flashing light before each pitch |
| Balls | 6 plastic aero strike balls included |
| Use with | Plastic bat (recommended) |
| Amazon rating | 4.1★ (9,396 ratings) |
What 9,396 buyers say: the box score
Amazon groups review mentions by topic. Here is the Franklin Pitching Machine box score as of October 2026.
| TOPIC | WHAT BUYERS SAY | MENTIONS |
|---|---|---|
| Age-appropriate | Right level for young kids | 133 |
| Value for money | Split: worth it vs. too cheaply made | 356 |
| Quality | Feels cheaply made, parts fail | 194 |
| Durability | Stops working or breaks too soon | 176 |
The takeaway: one clear positive (it suits young kids) and two clear negatives (quality and durability). Value is split, which reflects whether the machine lasted for that family.
The good: made for little hitters
Age-appropriate is the most positive topic (133 mentions). Slow, regular pitches, a light that tells kids when to get ready, and light plastic balls make it easy for 3- to 6-year-olds to make contact. Many parents say their kids play with it for hours.
The bad: quality and durability
Quality (194) and durability (176) are the biggest negatives. Common complaints include the machine jamming, motors stopping and parts breaking. Use only the included balls, keep it out of rain and store it indoors to give it the best chance.
Value: depends on how long it lasts
Value is the biggest topic, but mixed (356 mentions). Families whose machine lasted a season or two feel it was worth it; those whose unit failed early don’t. Keep the box and receipt in case you need a return.
Franklin Pitching Machine vs the rivals
Franklin Pitching MachineFranklin Grow-with-Me Tee
Franklin Heavy Duty Tee
Tanner Tee| Option | Rating | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin Pitching Machine | 4.1★ (9,396) | Ages 3–7, fun | Durability complaints |
| Franklin Grow-with-Me Tee | 4.4★ (18,435) | Ages 3–6 | Cheaper, simpler |
| Franklin Heavy Duty Tee | 4.5★ (3,270) | Ages 6+ | Sturdy tee for real swings |
| Tanner Tee | 4.9★ (11,245) | Serious hitters | Pro-quality tee |
For practice that lasts, a good batting tee often beats a cheap pitching machine. See our best batting tees guide.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Kids can hit without a parent pitching
- Flashing light helps timing
- Slow, regular pitches for young kids
- Balls included
- Very popular (9,000+ ratings)
Cons
- Quality complaints
- Durability complaints
- Plastic balls only
- Outgrown by about age 7–8
Who should buy it
Parents of 3- to 7-year-olds who want a fun backyard hitting toy and accept it may not last for years.
Who should skip it
Parents of older kids, or anyone wanting a real training aid. For them, a sturdy batting tee and a hitting net give better practice for the money.
Check the Franklin Pitching Machine on Amazon →
How to get the most out of it
- Set it on a flat, hard surface. Uneven ground changes the pitch angle.
- Start at the lowest angle and stand the child a few feet away.
- Teach the light: “When it flashes, get ready to swing.”
- Use a light plastic bat like the Franklin jumbo bat; heavy bats are hard for young kids to time.
- Keep the balls clean and round. Dented balls jam the feeder.
- Fresh batteries help. Weak batteries slow the motor and cause misfeeds.
Pitching machine vs batting tee: which first?
A batting tee teaches the basics: stance, eyes on the ball and a level swing. A pitching machine adds timing and fun. For kids under 5, start with a tee like the Grow-with-Me, which has a hanging-ball mode for toddlers. Around ages 5 to 7, a pitching machine can keep practice exciting. By age 8, kids benefit more from a sturdy tee and soft-toss drills, or a real youth pitching machine.
| Age | Best first tool | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 2–4 | Grow-with-Me tee (hanging mode) | Easiest contact, builds confidence |
| 4–6 | Tee, then this pitching machine | Basics first, then timing |
| 6–8 | Pitching machine + heavy duty tee | Timing and real swings |
| 8+ | Heavy duty tee, soft toss, real machine | Training, not toys |
Tips if your machine stops working
- Check and replace the batteries first.
- Clear any jammed ball from the feeder and chute.
- Make sure only the included balls are used; other balls can jam it.
- Contact the seller or Franklin within the return or warranty window if it still fails.
Safety tips
- Use only the included plastic balls.
- Keep younger siblings out of the swing zone.
- Set it up away from windows and cars.
- Use it outdoors on grass or a patio, or in a large room with nothing breakable.
Our bottom line
The Franklin MLB pitching machine is a fun way for little kids to hit on their own, and thousands of families enjoy it. But its review topics are honest about the downside: quality and durability are the most common complaints. Buy it as a backyard toy for ages 3 to 7, keep it indoors when not in use, and pair it with a solid batting tee for real practice.
Fun games to play with it
- Home run derby: count how many balls each child hits past a line in the yard.
- Target practice: set buckets or cones in the yard and score points for hitting near them.
- Run the bases: after a hit, the child runs to a “base” (a towel or cone) and back before the next pitch.
- Family turns: everyone gets five pitches; the most hits wins.
Short, game-style sessions keep young kids interested much longer than drills.
What to buy with it
A light plastic bat, like the Franklin MLB jumbo plastic bat (4.7★, 2,300+ ratings), makes contact easier for small kids. Extra balls help too, since some always roll under the deck. For when the machine is resting, a set of Franklin Indestruct-A-Ball practice balls (4.6★, 4,100+) works with a tee or soft toss.
Who will enjoy it most
The parents who rate this machine highest share a pattern: their kids are young (usually under 7), they use it in the backyard on nice days, and they treat it as a toy. Parents of older or more serious players, who expected faster pitches or years of use, give lower ratings. Knowing that before you buy is the best way to be happy with it.
Is a pitching machine good for hitting development?
For young kids, the biggest benefit is simply more swings. More swings mean more contact, more confidence and more fun, which keeps kids interested in baseball. The machine’s slow, high pitches don’t match real kid-pitch speeds, so its value for skill building drops after about age 7. At that stage, coaches usually recommend tee work for swing mechanics and soft toss or live pitching for timing.
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
What age is the Franklin pitching machine for?
It suits young kids, about 3 to 7.
Can you use real baseballs?
No. Use only the included plastic aero balls.
How fast does it pitch?
It tosses one slow pitch every 7 seconds.
What batteries does it need?
Check the listing for the battery type and count; batteries may not be included.
Is it worth it?
For young kids who will play with it a lot, often yes, but quality and durability are common complaints.
How we reviewed it
We did not test the Franklin Pitching Machine ourselves. This review is based on the Amazon listing and specs, the manufacturer’s information, Amazon’s review topic summary and what 9,396 verified buyers say, compared with similar products we cover. Ratings and mention counts are as of October 2026.
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