The first automated pitching machine was invented by Charles E. Hinton, a mathematics professor at Princeton University. On December 15, 1896, Hinton’s invention was made public through a demonstration at the university’s gymnasium. The machine represented a rifle, shooting pitches towards the batter.
I actually got drilled by a pitching machine at the batting cage at Doubleday Field; the machine was supposedly throwing curves, but this one never broke and nailed me square in the back. Must have missed the sign from the catcher.
It must have! That’s what happens when the pitcher doesn’t focus on what he’s doing, eh? Cooperstown is on my bucket list. I hope to make it happen soon!