Franklin Sports Pop Rocket youth baseball pitching machine — 24" collapsible bat, 5-ball feeder for beginner hitting practice

The Franklin Sports Pop Rocket Baseball Hitting Training Aid is a battery-powered youth pitching machine shaped like a rocket that automatically launches plastic baseballs every ~7 seconds for batting practice.

Designed for beginning hitters and young players transitioning from tee-ball, the Pop Rocket combines playful design with practical repetition to build hand-eye coordination and timing. The compact unit assembles quickly, holds five plastic balls, and includes a collapsible 24" bat so a child can practice solo in the yard, driveway, or a small backyard space.

How does the Pop Rocket help a child learn to hit live pitching?

The Pop Rocket creates consistent, repeatable tosses that let a batter focus on tracking and timing rather than chasing unpredictable throws. Using live, pop-up pitches rather than a stationary tee encourages children to learn swing mechanics and develop confidence against moving balls.

• Automatic ball release about every seven seconds for rhythm training
• Five-ball feeder reduces interruptions between reps
• Lightweight plastic balls and bat suited for beginner strength and safety
• Compact 21" x 10.5" x 12" assembled footprint fits small spaces

What comes in the box and what do I need to start?

The set arrives with the Pop Rocket pitching unit, five soft plastic baseballs, and a 24" collapsible bat — everything needed for an immediate practice session. The machine is battery-operated, so you’ll need four AA batteries to power the automatic pop-up mechanism before the first use.

• Included: pitching unit, 5 plastic baseballs, 24" collapsible bat
• Required but not included: 4 AA batteries
• Simple assembly: snaps together in seconds with no tools

Is the Pop Rocket safe and suitable for younger players?

Yes — the machine and accessories are designed with beginners in mind, using soft plastic balls and a light bat to lower impact and fatigue. Supervision is recommended for very young children, and players should stand at a safe distance and wear a batting helmet during practice.

• Soft plastic baseballs reduce sting and damage risk
• Collapsible bat sized for kids makes swings manageable
• Automatic timing lets players reset safely between pitches
• Best used on grass, turf, or paved surfaces with adult oversight

How portable and durable is this training aid?

The Pop Rocket’s compact footprint and lightweight components make it easy to move between the backyard, park, or practice field. Its plastic construction balances portability with kid-friendly durability for typical youth play.

• Lightweight for easy transport and storage
• Collapsible bat nests inside or stores alongside the unit
• Plastic housing stands up to regular family use
• Quick setup and battery power remove cord limitations

Who is this for: The Franklin Sports Pop Rocket is ideal for beginners ages 4–10 who are learning to hit live pitching, parents who want a low-effort solo practice option, and coaches introducing young players to timing and swing mechanics. It’s also a playful gift option for kids who love rockets and want an engaging way to practice baseball fundamentals at home.