Heater Combo Baseball and Softball Pitching Machine with Auto Ball Feeder

The Heater Combo is a single-wheel baseball and softball pitching machine that throws real 9-inch baseballs and both 11-inch and 12-inch softballs from the same unit. It switches between baseballs and softballs in minutes, pitches fastpitch or slowpitch, and includes a removable automatic ball feeder that works with both ball types. For families with a baseball player and a softball player under one roof, or coaches who work with both sports, it covers batting practice and fielding work with one machine instead of two.

Variable speed control reaches up to 60 MPH with baseballs and up to 56 MPH with softballs, and the pitching head tilts for grounders and fly balls. The machine plugs into a standard wall outlet and stands on tubular steel legs, so it sets up quickly in a backyard cage or on a practice field.

One Heater Combo Machine for Baseball and Softball

Buying separate baseball and softball pitching machines doubles the cost and the storage space. The Heater Combo handles both. It throws regulation 9-inch baseballs for baseball hitters, then converts to throw 11-inch or 12-inch softballs for softball players, and the conversion takes minutes rather than a trip to the toolbox.

That flexibility matters most in households where siblings play different sports, and for coaches who run baseball and softball lessons or clinics in the same week. It also gives a softball player the choice of 11-inch or 12-inch balls, which covers the ball sizes used across many youth and adult softball leagues. Check your league's rules for the right ball size before you buy softballs.

Switching From Baseball to Softball

The switch is part of a normal practice, not a weekend project. Finish the baseball rounds, convert the machine for softballs, and the softball player is hitting a few minutes later. The same feeder handles both ball types, so there is no second feeder to swap in or store.

A few habits make the changeover smoother. Keep baseballs and softballs in separate buckets so the wrong ball never ends up in the feeder. Start each new ball type at a low speed setting for a few pitches to confirm the pitch is landing where you want it, then raise the speed. And stick to one softball size per round, since 11-inch and 12-inch balls come off the wheel a little differently.

Fastpitch and Slowpitch Softball

For softball, the Heater Combo throws both fastpitch and slowpitch. Fastpitch work uses a flatter, faster pitch for timing and bat speed. Slowpitch work sends the ball on a high arc of up to 15 feet, which lets slowpitch hitters practice waiting on a dropping pitch and driving it rather than chopping down on it.

The arc setting is a big reason the machine fits slowpitch players. Many pitching machines only throw on a line, which is useful for baseball and fastpitch but does not match what a slowpitch hitter sees in a game.

Variable Speed Up to 60 MPH

A built-in speed dial adjusts the Heater Combo from 0 to 10. At the top of the range it pitches baseballs up to 60 MPH and softballs up to 56 MPH. The low end of the dial suits younger players learning to track a pitched ball, while the upper settings give older baseball and softball hitters a challenge for timing work.

Because one dial covers the whole range, siblings of different ages can share the machine. Run a round at a lower setting for the younger player, then turn it up for the older one without changing anything else.

Removable Automatic Ball Feeder

The included automatic feeder is removable and supports both baseballs and softballs. It is rated for 12/9 balls and drops a pitch about every 9 to 10 seconds. That interval gives a hitter time to reset between swings and approach each pitch the way they would in a game, while a full feeder load lets one player practice alone without anyone feeding the machine by hand.

Because the feeder lifts off, a coach can also remove it and feed balls by hand during lessons, when the pace of pitches needs to match the instruction rather than a timer.

Adjustable Pitch Height for Fielding

A simple tilt adjustment changes the pitch height. Keep the head level for strike-zone pitches, tilt it down for ground balls, or angle it up for fly balls and pop-ups. That gives baseball and softball teams a way to run infield and outfield reps at a consistent pace, so the coach can watch footwork and glove work instead of hitting fungoes.

Safe, Durable Construction

The 10-inch air-filled pitching wheel is fully enclosed, so only the ball path is exposed. That is an important safety feature on a machine that will often be loaded by kids or parents. A durable 1/4 HP motor drives the wheel, and tubular steel legs with rubber tips hold the machine steady on grass, turf, or a cage floor.

The Heater Combo runs on standard 110V A/C power. It can also run from a battery pack, which is sold separately, for practice away from an outlet. The machine carries a one year warranty.

Who the Heater Combo Is For

• Families with both a baseball player and a softball player who want one machine for both
• Slowpitch softball players who need practice against a real arc
• Youth fastpitch and baseball players from age 8 working on timing and contact
• Coaches running baseball and softball lessons, clinics, or team practices with one machine
• Recreational adult players who want home batting practice without a commercial machine

The recommended age range is 8 years to adult. For younger players, start at a low speed setting and work up as their tracking and timing improve.

Training Applications

• Speed progression: start a baseball or fastpitch hitter at a comfortable setting and raise the dial one step per round until timing becomes a challenge, then hold that speed until contact is consistent.
• Slowpitch arc work: set the machine for an arc and have the hitter practice letting the ball drop into the zone and driving it on a line.
• Sibling rotations: alternate baseball and softball rounds in the same session, switching ball types between rotations.
• Infield reps: tilt the head down for ground balls and run fielders through a full feeder of grounders.
• Outfield reps: angle the head up for fly balls so outfielders can practice reads, drop steps, and catching on the run.

A Sample Two-Sport Practice

Here is one way a family or small group can share the Heater Combo in about an hour. Open with baseball batting practice at a moderate speed, two feeder loads per hitter. Tilt the head down and run a few minutes of ground balls for anyone who plays the infield. Convert to softballs and give the softball player the same structure: fastpitch rounds first, then a slowpitch arc round if they play slowpitch, then fly balls to finish. Every player gets live pitches and defensive reps without anyone throwing until their arm is sore.

Coaches running lessons can use the same idea at a smaller scale. Remove the feeder and hand-feed when you need to stop and correct a swing, then reattach it when the hitter is ready to put the change into a full round.

Cages and Accessories

For backyard practice, the Heater Combo pairs with Heater's home batting cages, including the Power Alley 22 Ft. backyard batting cage and the Xtender 24 Ft. batting cage. For baseball rounds, Heater Pitching Machine Baseballs are made for machine use. If you mainly need a dedicated 12-inch softball machine, compare the Heater Sports 12 Inch Softball Pitching Machine.

Heater Combo Specifications

• Model: HTR599ABF (with ball feeder)
• Sports: baseball and softball
• Ball sizes: real 9-inch baseballs, 11-inch softballs, 12-inch softballs
• Pitch speed, baseballs: up to 60 MPH
• Pitch speed, softballs: up to 56 MPH
• Speed control: built-in variable speed dial, 0 to 10
• Softball pitch styles: fastpitch and slowpitch (up to a 15-foot arc)
• Pitch height: adjustable for grounders and fly balls
• Wheel: 10-inch air-filled, fully enclosed
• Motor: 1/4 HP
• Ball feeder: removable automatic feeder, rated 12/9 balls, works with baseballs and softballs
• Frame: tubular steel legs with rubber tips
• Power: standard 110V A/C, or battery pack (sold separately)
• Recommended ages: 8 years to adult
• Warranty: one year

What's Included

The Heater Combo ships with the pitching machine, the removable automatic ball feeder, and the tubular steel legs. Baseballs, softballs, a battery pack, and a batting cage are not included and are sold separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Heater Combo really pitch both baseballs and softballs?

Yes. It throws real 9-inch baseballs as well as 11-inch and 12-inch softballs, and it converts between baseballs and softballs in minutes.

How fast does it pitch?

Up to 60 MPH with baseballs and up to 56 MPH with softballs, adjustable on a 0 to 10 speed dial.

Does it work for slowpitch softball?

Yes. It pitches both fastpitch and slowpitch, and it can send slowpitch pitches on an arc of up to 15 feet.

Does the ball feeder work with softballs?

Yes. The included removable feeder supports both baseballs and softballs.

Can I use it for fielding practice?

Yes. The tilt adjustment lets the machine throw ground balls and fly balls as well as strike-zone pitches.

What ages is the Heater Combo for?

The recommended age range is 8 years to adult. Start younger players at a low speed setting, and have an adult operate and load the machine.

Can I use it away from an outlet?

It runs on standard 110V wall power and can also run from a battery pack, which is sold separately.

Does the Heater Combo have a warranty?

Yes. It carries a one year warranty.

Does it throw curveballs?

No. The Heater Combo is a single-wheel machine designed for straight pitches, arcs, grounders, and fly balls. For breaking pitches in baseball, look at a pivot-head or dual-wheel machine such as the Heater Pro Curve.