Coach John Peter's Baseball Tips.com
Bata 1, Bata 2, & Combo Frequently Asked Questions
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Bata 1 Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does a BATA 1 go?
65 miles per hour (for both baseball and softball
At what distance?
Miles per hour is the same regardless of distance. Reaction time is shortened by moving the machine closer to the batter. A 60 mph pitch thrown from 60 feet is equivalent to a 90 mph pitch when thrown from 40 feet.
How do you adjust the speed?
The speed is electronically controlled. You simply adjust the speed by turning a dial.
Does it have a digital read-out for speed?
No. A digital read-out does not measure the speed of the pitch, only the rpm's of the motor. Our machine has a scale which goes from 20 to 60 miles per hour. It is plently accurate.
How much does the machine weigh?
The main part of the machine (not including the legs) weighs only 42 pounds. The baseball legs weigh 14 pounds, the softball legs weigh 9 pounds.
Does it come with a warranty?
Yes. BATA machines are covered by a full 5-year factory warranty!
Is there a 30-day trial period or money back guarantee?
No. If we gave a 30-day trial period, we would have too many people purchasing the machines just for their tryouts, then returning them. The machines are guaranteed to work as advertised. If a machine is defective, BATA will repair or replace it.
Can the machine throw grounders and flies?
It will throw fly balls. However, because of the backspin that it puts on the ball, it is not as well suited for throwing grounders.
What kind of balls does it throw?
The BATA 1 can throw real leather balls, dimpled balls, or wiffleballs. Tennis balls can be thrown up to about 2/3 of the regular speeds.
How do you change the combo machine from baseball to softball?
There are three things to do. The entire process takes about 5 minutes.
- You must raise the friction plate (pad). It is held by two bolts.
- You must replace the baseball feed chute with the softball feed chute. It is held by two bolts. You may (optional) switch from the taller baseball legs to the shorter softball legs.
NOTE: Our machines fit both baseball and softball uses. You can order the conversion kits later.
What pitches will the BATA1 throw?
Fastballs only. The BATA 2 is designed for throwing different pitches.
Does it tear up leather baseballs?
All wheel-type pitching machines will tear up leather baseballs. How fast depends on the quality of the balls. The BATA 1 throws leather balls very well and is highly recommended for machine-pitch league games. Polyurethane pitching machine balls are recommended for all other use.
Why should I buy a BATA 1 instead of a JUGS MVP or JUGS Jr.?
For about the same pirce, the BATA 1 throws about 10 mph faster than the MVP. The BATA 1 has a protective guarg between he operator and the pitching wheel. The MVP and JR have the pitching wheel exposed to the operator with no protective guard. And, The BATA 1 has a concave pitching wheel which delivers more accurate, more consistent pitches. IT'S JUST A NEWER AND BETTER TECHNOLOGY!
How many balls will the machine hold?
The pitching machines themselves do not hold any balls. Pitching machines either feed one ball at a time or use an automatic ball feeder. Our ball feeders hold either 32 baseballs or 24 softballs. The Combination Feeder can be set up to do either size (not both at the same time). Ball feeders feed balls at 7 second intervals, an ideal "wait time" between pitches.
Bata 2 Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does a BATA II go?
Maximum: 109 miles per hour; minimum: 20 miles per hour.
How do you adjust the speed?
The speed is electronically controlled. You adjust the speed by turning the dials.
What kinds of balls with it throw?
Leather balls, dimpled balls, and wiffleballs. Tennis balls can be thrown up to about 2/3 of the regular speeds.
What pitches will it throw?
The BATA II can throw any pitch that a real pitcher can pitch (fastball, curve, slider, knuckleball, etc.)
How do you make it throw different pitches?
Different pitches are thrown by altering the delivery angle of the wheels and by altering the speeds of the wheels. To throw a fastball, the wheels are normally positioned vertically (one over the other). The top wheel is set about 30 points slower than the bottom wheel, giving the pitch a backspin, which counteracts gravity and keeps the pitch from sinking. To throw a curve, the wheels may be positioned for an overhand, � or sidearm delivery. The top wheel is set about 2 to 3 times faster than the bottom wheel, giving the pitch forward spin, which makes the ball break.. THE ADJUSTMENTS ARE QUICK AND SIMPLE!
Can the machine throw grounders and flies?
Yes. The BATA II has a swivel base which allows you to throw grounders or flies to anywhere on the field. The two-motor design allows you to change the spin; backspin for flies, forward spin for grounders. ..THE ADJUSTMENTS ARE QUICK AND SIMPLE!
How do you convert it from baseball to softball?
There are three things that need to be done. The entire process takes about 5 - 10 minutes. The gap between the wheels must be widened by repositioning the motors. There are four bolts that hold each motor mount. The feed chute must be changed to the softball feed chute. Four bolts hold it in place. The legs may be changed from the baseball legs to the softball legs. ... THE ADJUSTMENTS ARE QUICK AND SIMPLE!
to transport it, do you roll it on the pitching wheels like a JUGS?
No. The BATA II has it's own built-in transport wheels. Never allow anything but baseballs or softballs to touch the wheels!
Why should I buy a BATA II instead of a JUGS?
The JUGS uses pneumatic tires for pitching wheels, which have a convex (rounded) surface. The BATA II has BATA's own Soft-Thread Pitching Wheels. The rim underneath the soft tread is concave, which has the same effect as a concave wheel. The BATA II throws more accurate, more consistent pitches It grabs onto more of the pitched ball!
AND...
The BATA II is easier to use. The JUGS has a ball-joint, which combines all of the adjustments into one. When you loosen the ball-joint to change one adjustment, you change all three, whether you want to or not. The BATA II has three separate joints, which work independently, making adjustments easy and effortless. .. THE ADJUSTMENTS ARE QUICK AND SIMPLE!
AND...
The BATA II weights about 40 pounds less than a JUGS. If you have ever set-up or moved a JUGS you know how much that extra 40 pounds really means. You won't "fight" with a BATA pitching machine.
AND...
All BATA machines can be converted from baseball to softball, or vice versa, at any time.
.. THE ADJUSTMENTS ARE QUICK AND SIMPLE!
Why should I buy a BATA II instead of an ATEC Casey?
Bata II machines can throw right-handed and left-handed (by tilting the head). Most ATEC machines throw only right-handed.
AND...
BATA II machines have a swivel base, which allows you to throw grounders or flies anywhere on the field, and change the inside/outside aim without moving the legs of the machine. The ATEC machine has a rigid base, & doesn't swivel.. THE ADJUSTMENTS ARE QUICK AND SIMPLE!
AND...
The BATA II machine has a maximum speed of 105 miles per hour, compared to the ATEC's 92 mph. This may be most important for outfield and fly ball drills.
Who uses BATA II machines(The Big Names)?
The Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland A's, Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks, San Diego Padres, and Anaheim Angels profession organizations, as well as notable pros, former pros and coaches like Mike Hargrove, Robin Yount, and Damien Easley to name a few.
How long do the wheels last?
About 5 years for the average person or team. Yes they are replaceable.
Can I leave my machine outside?
No. These machines contain electronics. Water or moisture can damage the motors and speed controller. Over-exposure to direct sunlight may shorten the life of the wheels. We recommend building an enclosure (or at least a roof) over the machine if it is to be left in a batting cage. The machine must be stored so that moisture is not allowed to get to it. These machines are built tough but still require common - sense care.
If I have a problem, how do I get it fixed?
BATA machines are made so that each of the main components may be easily removed. If there is a problem, the customer should call BATA for instructions. We can usually diagnose a problem over the phone and offer a solution, which can usually be handled by the customer. If there is a major problem which cannot be easily diagnosed and fixed, the machine should be shipped to BATA for repairs. BATA may sometimes authorize local repair shops to perform the work.
Bata Combo Frequently Asked Questions
Will the BATA Combo machine throw 11" softballs?
The combo machines can throw 11" softballs at the 12" setting. The only limitation is that it will only throw up to about 50 mph before it starts slipping. But that's not a problem because the ages of the players using 11" softballs are usually around 8-10, and don't hit over 35 mph.
