CPSC Warns of Severe Injury Risk in Automatic Baseball Pitching Machines

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued an urgent warning regarding specific automatic baseball pitching machines manufactured by Commercial Mechanisms, Inc. The affected models include the Blazer (Champ), Professional, Range, Pro-Trainer (Olympia), and Dudley Automatic Pitching Machine. These machines were distributed throughout the United States to schools, colleges, clubs, recreation departments, and other athletic organizations between 1963 and 1975.

The warning was issued after the Commission received reports of permanent and severe brain damage, as well as approximately 18 other injuries including brain concussions, severe lacerations, and severe facial disfigurement. The hazard stems from the machines' unguarded rotary pitching arms, which retain sufficient energy to operate even when unplugged or disconnected. This energy can release the arm after slight vibration, and the arm may separate from the machine during operation, becoming an uncontrolled missile.

The CPSC authorized staff to prepare papers for filing a complaint in U.S. District Court to seek a recall and a declaration that the machines are an imminent hazard. Consumers who have access to or know the location of these machines are asked to call the CPSC toll-free hotline at 800/638-2772. Users are advised to avoid placing any part of their body within the pitching arm's path unless the machine is disconnected from its power source and the coil spring is disengaged.

The recalled product

Product

Blazer(Champ) automatic baseball pitching machines

Manufacturer

Commercial Mechanisms

Category

Consumer Product — Sports Equipment

Hazard

• impact-injury
• brain-damage
• laceration

Distribution

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