BATA-2 Pitching Machine

ABOUT THE BATA 2
Our economical BATA 2 Pitching Machine throws fastballs, curveballs, sliders, knuckleballs, pop flies, grounders & more up to 100 mph. This machine also gives you the ability to change the spin on straight pitches. Ideal for batting or field baseball/softball practice. It is made in the USA and has a 10 year limited warranty!

NOTE:
If you purchased your BATA Machine through a dealer, please contact the dealer with any issues you are having. If you purchased it directly from us, please contact us 800-762-2282

BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Read these instructions fully before starting the assembly process or use the machine. Please make sure you have all of your parts and pieces. If not, contact our customer service.

What’s Included

• (A) Baseball Chute (if purchased)
• (B) Baseball Legs x3 (if purchased)
• (C) Softball Chute (if purchased)
• (D) Softball Legs x3 (if purchased)
• (E) Feed Chute Adjustment Knobs
• (F) Speed Control Box
• (G) Fender x2
• (H) Handle
• (I) Height Adjustment Handle
• (J) Lateral Adjustment Handle
• (K) Tilt Lock Adjustment Handle
• (L) Motor x2
• (M) Motor Mount Bolts
• (N) Pitching Machine Wheel x2
• (O) Power Cord
• (P) Rubber Leg Tips x3
• (Q) Speed Control Dial Knob
• (R) Tripod Base
• (S) Neck
• (T) Transport Wheels (Not shown) x2

GUIDELINES FOR THE SAFE

ENJOYMENT OF YOUR PITCHING MACHINE
Hitting with a pitching machine involves a degree of risk; here are our suggestions to minimize that risk:

1. Never use this machine in wet or moist conditions.
2. Never stand or walk in front of the machine while it is running. Children should be supervised by an adult at ALL TIMES while using the machine.
3. Wear eye protection while manually feeding.
4. Keep hands away from all moving parts.
5. Wear a batting helmet when batting.
6.  DO NOT use the machine in temperatures less than 40°F or more than 100°F
7. Turn the machine OFF and wait for the wheel to stop rotating before making adjustments to the machine (other than speed and location).
8. DO NOT attempt to stop the wheel from rotating or touch anything to the wheels even after turning of the machine.
9. Place a protective screen in front of the machine to protect the machine and operator. The warranty does not cover damage from batted balls.
10. If any unusual or loud noises occur with the machine, disconnect the power immediately and discontinue use until the cause can be resolved. Contact Bata customer service: 800-762-2282.

WARNING:
This machine is NOT guaranteed to be 100% accurate. Although each machine is thoroughly inspected and tested before leaving the factory, occasional errant pitches may occur (and should be expected). This can be due to balls in poor condition, moisture or debris, careless/negligent use, improper settings, improper maintenance, mechanical failure, or other factors.

Expect to have to react to errant pitches in the same way you would if you were batting of a real pitcher. It is important to make sure that all safety precautions are taken, and to instruct all participants on proper operating procedures and rules prior to use. It is your responsibility to make sure that your machine is maintained in proper operating condition.

UNBOXING THE PITCHING MACHINE

How to unbox and set up your pitching machine for the first time.

1. Remove the machine from the box. Lift the machine out of the box and set it to rest on the front guard of the machine that is connected to the fender.
2. If you ordered the Quick Release Leg Lock Kit with the machine, it can now be installed. Slide each of the straight baseball legs or bent softball legs into the tripod base and secure them with the nuts and bolts provided or Quick Release Leg Lock Kit. Hold each leg with your hand as you tighten the nut.
3. Tighten the nut or QRL handle until the leg will not rotate. If you ordered the Transport Wheel Kit, you may install it now.
4. Your machine is factory set for baseball. If you ordered a softball only machine, you will need to adjust your machine to the softball settings.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Before using your machine, perform the following routine checks to ensure optimal performance.

1. Is the machine set to the right GAP?
   GAP Measurement (Approximate):
   Check the distance of the GAP to make sure it is correct before pitching:
   • Dimpled Baseball: 2-1/8”
   • Leather Baseball: 2-5/16”
   •  Dimpled Softball: 3”
   •  Leather Softball: 3-3/16”
2. Is the proper feed chute installed?
3. Are the wheels in the proper position on the motor shaft?
4. Are the motor cords connected properly at the plug connection?
5. Are there any loose nuts and bolts?
6.  Are the balls dry and in good condition?
7. Do you have the proper power source? (see specifications)
8. Are you using a surge protector?

How to use the Bata 2 pitching machine.

1. Place the machine in the pitching area. Visually aim it in the direction of home plate.
2. Choose the power source. Before plugging the machine into the power source, make sure that the speed control dial knobs are in the OFF position. Plug a surge protector into the power source.
3. Start the machine by turning the speed control dial knobs clockwise and set them at the chosen speed. Allow the wheel to get up to speed before pitching the first ball.
4. Do not allow anyone to stand near home plate yet.
5. Feed one ball into the feed chute.
6.  Adjust the location up, down, inside, or outside as needed.
   • To adjust the height, loosen the height adjustment lock handle about 1/4 turn and rotate the head of the machine up or down to change the location. To precisely change the location move the vertical micro adjustment handle left or right. Lock the handle.
   • To adjust the inside/outside location, loosen the lateral adjustment lock handle about 1/4 turn and rotate the head of the machine side to side to change the location. To precisely change the location move the horizontal micro adjustment handle left or right. Lock the handle.
   • To adjust the delivery angle, loosen the Tilt lock handle about ¼ turn, and tilt the head of the machine to your desired position.
7.  After setting the location, pitch at least 10 balls to check the location before allowing batters to step in.

NOTE:
There will be some variation from pitch to pitch due to the balls themselves. Do not adjust the location pitch to pitch unless it is off by a significant amount.

BASEBALL TO SOFTBALL CONVERSION

How to change your machine from baseball to softball.

1. Lower the machine to the ground or lift off the head of the machine from the tripod and set on the ground.
2. Remove the baseball legs from the machine by using a wrench or quick release handles (sold separately).
3. Attach the softball legs and stand the machine back up.
4. Remove the feed chute from the machine by loosening the knobs.
5. Replace the feed chute with the larger softball version.
6. Using a 1/2” wrench or impact loosen the top left and bottom right motor mount bolts around the top motor. Remove the top right and bottom left bolts. You will feel the motor drop.
7. Lift the motor up and replace the bolts in the upper hole. The upper holes of the top wheel have a very small adjustment range. The top of the hole is for leather softballs and the bottom of the hole is for dimpled softballs. Tighten the bolts where you need  based on the type of softball you are going to use.
8. Loosen the four motor mount bolts around the lower motor. You will feel the motor drop. While the motor is all the way down tighten the bolts. Now the gap between the wheels is set for softball.
9. After setting the speed and location, pitch at least 10 balls to check the speed and location before allowing batters to step in.

GAP Measurement (Approximate):
Check the distance of the GAP to make sure it is correct before pitching:

• Dimpled Baseball: 2-1/8”
•  Leather Baseball: 2-5/16”
•  Dimpled Softball: 3”
• Leather Softball: 3-3/16”

NOTE:
If the balls are coming out of the machine slowly and/or pitching inconsistently that usually means the wheels are not set at the correct GAP. As you use the machine your wheels will wear down making the gap wider. You will need to make adjustments to your machine over time. It can also be due to using too soft of a ball. Smash balls have a 20% reduced speed compared to regular baseballs.

HOW TO INSTALL THE TRANSPORT WHEELS

How to install and use the transport wheels on the Bata 2 pitching machine.

1. Insert each of the four 5/16 x 1” hex bolts A through the frame of the machine with the heads of the bolts on the back side of the plate and the threaded ends shown on the front of the machine.
2. Place the transport wheel brackets B onto the bolts. Use the flat washers, lock washers, and hex nuts to secure the wheels to the frame. Tighten the nuts.
3. To transport the machine loosen the tilt adjustment lock handle C on the front of the machine.
4. Tilt the head of the machine to a horizontal position so the transport wheels D are horizontal to each other.
5. Tighten the lock handle.
6. Lower the head of the machine onto the ground onto the transport wheels. Use the legs as handles to roll the machine.

SPEED CONTROL

How to control the speed of your pitching machine

The speed of the pitch will be approximately the average of the value of the two dials. Using the assumption that each number on the dial represents 10 miles per hour, the maximum speed, with both dials at 10, will be about 100 mph. (Do not set both dials at 10. This will produce a 100 mph knuckle-ball that could be very dangerous). Realistically, the maximum fastball that you can expect (with proper back-spin) is about 90 mph.

SPEED FORMULAS:

Fastballs

• Less sinking: 1:2:
  Example: Upper dial 50 / lower dial 100 (75 mph)
• More sinking: 2:3
  Example: Upper dial 60 / lower dial 90 (75 mph)

Curveballs

• Less break: 3:1
  Example: Upper dial 90 / lower dial 30 (60 mph)
• More break: 5:1
  Example: Upper dial 100 / lower dial 20 (60 mph)

Sliders

•  Less break: 4:3
  Example: Upper dial 80 / lower dial 60 (70 mph)
•  More break: 3:2
  Example: Upper dial 84 / lower dial 56 (70 mph)
•  Knuckleballs: 1:1
  Example: Upper dial 55 / lower dial 55. (55 mph)

• (A) Pitch Formula Chart
• (B) Upper Speed Dial
• (C) Lower Speed Dial

DELIVERY ANGLES

Guide for different delivery angles this machine can achieve.

BASEBALL DELIVERY ANGLES
After tilting the head to the desired delivery angle loosen the four knobs that hold the feed chute in place. Rotate the feed chute to ensure you have a level feed. Tighten the knobs.

• Overhand: The standard Fastball angle. With the head in this position, the spin will be straight.
• Fastball: Set the top motor speed slower than the bottom motor speed. (2:3 – 1:2)
• Curveball: Set the top motor speed a lot faster the bottom motor speed. (10:1 – 2:1)
• Slider: Set the top motor speed a little faster than the bottom motor speed. (3:2 – 2:1)
• Knuckleball: Set both motor speeds at the same setting. 6 on each dial should be the maximum speed on knuckleballs.
• Split-finger: Set the top motor speed just slightly faster or slightly slower than the bottom motor speed, depending on how much “sink” you want. (6:5 – 5:6)
• 3/4 Left hand: Use this angle to throw tailing fastballs, sliders, and 3/4 curves from a lefthanded pitcher.
• Sidearm: Use this angle to throw pitches that have a lot of side break. Set the motor speeds so that the ball breaks to the slower wheel. For example, if you have the right motor speed at 9, and the left motor speed at 5, the ball will break to the left (the side with the slower motor speed).
• 3/4 Righthand: Use this angle to throw tailing fastballs, sliders, and 3/4 curves from a righthanded pitcher.

MAINTENANCE

How to maintain your Bata pitching machine.

1. DO NOT use the machine in temperatures less than 40°F or more than 100°F. Extreme temperatures will affect the pitching wheels and the motors.
2. Store the machine in a clean, dry place. If you choose to leave your machine outside in your batting cage, just make sure that it is covered well enough to keep it dry.
3. Keep the pitching wheels clean, dry, and free of debris. Residue from balls does not need to be re-moved unless it is affecting the pitching. Use acetone to clean the polyurethane wheel surface.
4. It is extremely important that the GAP is adjusted properly for each type of ball (See GAP SELECTION). Verify your wheel GAP settings before operating your machine. Although rare, wheel spacing can shift during shipping. All machines are preset for baseball, so you will need to adjust the wheel spacing if you plan to use the machine for softball.

SPECIFICATIONS

Information about your Bata pitching machine.

• Power Sources
• Standard Outlet: 110 – 120 volt AC
• Generator: 110 – 120 volt AC output, 400 watts per motor minimum
• Extension Cords:
  

  Length (ft..)	Gage (minimum)
  25’ or less	16
  50’	14
  100’	12
  150’	10
  200’	8

GAP SELECTION

Important information about the gap between the wheels.

The term “GAP” refers to the space between the pitching wheels. This machine will throw different
types and sizes of balls. However, a different GAP is required for each. For example, a softball requires a larger GAP than a baseball. It is not necessary to change the GAP very often, if at all, unless you plan to use different types of balls.
For example, if you are going to pitch only leather baseballs, you can leave the GAP at the factory setting. If you are going to pitch baseballs and softballs, you will need to change the GAP accordingly for each type of ball.

Tools Required:
1/2” Socket OR Box End Wrench

• The upper motor mount bolt slots are elongated to allow an 2/10” of adjustment. As indicated, the upper end of the motor mount slots set the machine to leather mode. The lower end of the slots set it to dimpled mode. To change ball types loosen all four upper motor mount bolts, move them up (leather) or down (dimpled), tighten the bolts.
• The lower motor mount bolt slots are elongated to allow an inch of adjustment. As indicated, the upper end of the motor mount slots set the machine to baseball mode. The lower end of the slots set it to softball mode. To change ball types loosen all four lower motor mount bolts, move them up (baseball) or down (softball), tighten the bolts.
• When pitching at faster speeds, or when using softer balls, adjustment may be required. Using too soft of a ball, even with adjustment, can cause the speed to change. For example, Smash Balls have a 20% reduced speed compared to regular baseballs.
  NOTE: The upper mount MUST be set in the-LEATHER position when pitching real leather balls, for either baseball or softball. Pitching leather balls with it in the DIMPLED position will damage the machine.

To change the motor mount setting, using a wrench, loosen all four motor mount nuts just enough to allow the motor mount to slide, and position it as needed. Tighten the nuts to secure it.

Keep your operating manual for future reference. If, at some point, the pitching wheels have worn significantly you may experience inconsistent or errant pitching. The following information may help you troubleshoot.

GAP Size
If the GAP is too large, the wheels will not grip the ball tightly enough to pitch it accurately and consistent-ly. This results in pitches that sometimes fall short of the plate and/or miss the strike zone. We recommend closing the GAP about 1/16” at a time until you get consistent pitching. Once you have determined the ideal GAP to match your dimpled balls, make a note of it. When the wheels wear, you may need to re-adjust the GAP.
If the GAP is too small It will cause erratic pitching. There are many different brands of dimpled balls on the market, and they are NOT all the same. Our machines are designed and calibrated to pitch dimpled balls and regulation leather balls. The gap can be adjusted to accommodate other varieties of balls, but we cannot guarantee that our machines will pitch them properly. Your best bet is to use balls that are proven to provide quality results. Dimpled balls and low seam balls pitch consistently in BATA machines. Double-check your setting.

GAP Measurement (Approximate):

• Dimpled Baseball: 2-1/8”
•  Leather Baseball: 2-5/16”
•  Dimpled Softball: 3”
• Leather Softball: 3-3/16”

You may also pitch 11” softballs in your machine. You can pitch 11” softballs at the 12” softball setting up to about 40 mph. If you want to pitch 11” softballs faster than 40 mph, you may need to reduce the GAP using the DIMPLED SOFTBALL setting. DO NOT PITCH 12” SOFTBALLS WITH THE GAP AT THIS WIDTH. It will damage the motors.

NOTE: The feed chute and legs must also be changed if switching from baseball to softball or vice versa.

WARNING: Failure to set the gap properly may damage the machine.

MEASURING THE GAP WITH WORN WHEELS

Important information about the gap between the wheels when the wheels are worn.

After a lot of use, you will notice a “concave dip” being worn into the rubber on the wheel. This is normal wear and tear. As the dip becomes deeper, the GAP be-comes larger. There may come a time when you will need to make adjustments to the machine to shorten the GAP. How much can the wheel wear before you have to adjust the GAP? That depends on how fast you’re pitching the ball. At lower speeds, a wider GAP will still work. At higher speeds, too large of a GAP will allow inconsistent pitching.

To measure the GAP, take a ruler or tape measure and measure from the edge of the wheel to the other wheel at the closest point. When the wheel is new, this measurement will be about 2-5/16” (with the GAP at the factory baseball setting), or 3-3/16” (at the factory softball setting). When the wheel is worn, you must do a calculation to determine the ideal GAP. The ideal GAP will be the average between the measurement at the edge of the wheel and the bot-tom of the concave dip.

For example, if the wheel has 3/8” of wear, divide the total wear (3/8”) by 2, that gives you 3/16“. So, you would need to reduce the GAP by a total of 3/16”.

WHEEL POSITION

Important information about the position of the wheel on the motor shaft. Occasionally you will need to check the position of the wheels on the motor shaft. This is very important for two reasons. First, the wheel must be positioned properly so that it is centered to the feed chute. Second, if the wheel is not properly positioned, the hub of the wheel may rub against the motor bolts, which can cause damage to the machine.

To correct it, using a 3/16” Allen wrench, loosen (do not remove) the set screw about 1/2 turn. Slide the wheel back to the proper position with about 1/32” – 1/16” of the end of the motor shaft sticking out past the outside of the wheel hub and tighten the set screw. It threads into aluminum, so be careful not to over-tighten or strip the threads.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Having an issue with your machine? Read through these questions and answers. If the machine is still not fixed please contact Bata 800-762-2282 or sales@batabaseball.com

PROBLEM 1: Motor will not turn on.

SOLUTION 1: Check to make sure the plug connection (2010 machines and later) be-tween the motor and speed control box is properly connected.

SOLUTION 2: Check the motor brushes.

• The brushes are not actually brushes at all. They are an assembly consisting of a small metal tab, connected to a small rectangular piece of carbon via a spring and thin cable. The spring is supposed to feed the carbon “brush” into the part of the motor that is turning inside. This gives it electrical connection. If the carbon block does not feed easily into the armature, the circuit is interrupted. This may be caused by the carbon block hanging up in the socket, which may be caused by friction.
• To check the brushes, first unscrew the small cap that has the screwdriver slot. The first thing you will see is the metal tab. Using a very small screwdriver, lift the metal tab up until you can get it to pop up enough to get your fi ngers on it. Pull the brush assembly out of the socket by the metal tab.
• The assembly should slide in and out of the socket easily. If there is any friction, this would cause the carbon block to not feed in properly. In this case, the easiest solution is to very lightly sand the side of the carbon block with very fi ne sandpaper (400 grit).  Lay the sandpaper down on a flat surface and lightly drag the carbon block over it one time. Check the fi t. Repeat if necessary.
• When the brush assembly is out, check to make sure the spring and cable are not broken. If they are, the brush needs to be replaced.
• Replace the brush assembly. Slide it into the sock-et, push down on the metal tab, compressing the spring, until the metal tab sits down into the socket. Install the cap. Be careful when tightening the cap. It is thin and fragile.

SOLUTION 3: Remove the cover of the speed control box and check the connections.
Gently tug on each wire connection to make sure that there are no loose wires. Gently wiggle each connection on the circuit board to see if any of the soldered connectors have broken loose from the circuit board. If so, the circuit board needs to be replaced.

SOLUTION 4: Check the HP resistor.

For machines (2023 and newer) check to make sure the solder points are intact. If they are not intact you will need a new circuit box. The HP resistor actually plugs into the circuit board into two tiny sockets. Sometimes the resistor can get knocked loose or out of the sockets completely. If it is out of the sockets, push it back in. Get it started with your fingers and push down on each end of the resistor where the wires are soldered. Do a little on each end at a time until it is all the way in. Check very closely to see if the small wires that come out of each end of the resistor are intact or broken. If they are broken, or if the block is broken, the HP resistor needs to be replaced .

SOLUTION 5: Check for burned areas on the circuit board assembly.
If there is any burned areas, it is likely that your speed controller was damaged by a power surge. In this case, the control box needs to be replaced.
NOTE: You can avoid power surge damage by using a Surge Protector.

SOLUTION 6: Check for water damage.
If your machine got wet, it may be that your circuit has water damage. Sometimes you can blow the moisture out with an air hose, and it will dry out enough to work again, sometimes not. If there is water damage, it probably means that you will need to replace the control box.

• PROBLEM 2: Motor speed fluctuates or runs full speed all the time
• SOLUTION 1: Most likely a circuit board malfunction.
• PROBLEM 3: Wheel stopped rotating or is making a grinding noise.
• SOLUTION 1: Check the position of the wheel on the motor shaft.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

• 800-762-2282
• sales@batabaseball.com

Documents / Resources

Bata BATA-2 Pitching Machine [pdf] Instruction Manual Bata_2, BATA-2 Pitching Machine, Pitching Machine, Machine

References

• User Manual