Louisville Slugger Black Flame Pitching Machine
Game-Speed Pitches. No Power Required. Train Anywhere.
The Louisville Slugger Black Flame Pitching Machine is built for baseball players who are ready to level up. Throwing baseballs up to 50 mph and accommodating fly balls, grounders, and fastballs, the Black Flame gives intermediate to advanced players the game-speed reps they need to sharpen pitch recognition, reaction time, and swing confidence.
Manual design means no electricity, no batteries, and no limitations on where you train. Backyard, field, cage, or park — the Black Flame is ready when you are.
What's in the Box
- Louisville Slugger Black Flame Pitching Machine (UPM50)
- Adjustable throwing arm
- Ground anchor spikes
- Pull pin
- Assembly instructions
Product Specifications
| SKU | L60222 |
| Model | UPM50 Black Flame |
| Baseball Speed | Up to 50 mph |
| Softball Speed | Up to 45 mph |
| Pitch Types | Fastballs, slow-pitch, fly balls, grounders |
| Compatible Balls | Regulation baseballs, softballs, lite flight balls, tennis balls |
| Power Source | Manual — no electricity or batteries required |
| Player Range | Youth through adult; ideal for intermediate to advanced players |
| Portability | Lightweight, portable, no power cord |
| Replacement Parts | Full OEM parts available at GameMaster Athletic |
Key Features
Higher Velocity — Up to 50 mph Baseball
The Black Flame's upgraded spring system delivers baseballs up to 50 mph — faster than the Blue Flame — giving advanced hitters the game-speed pitches they need to train reaction time and develop confidence against live pitching.
Full Pitch Variety
Adjust the arm angle to throw fastballs, slow-pitch lobs, fly balls, and grounders. Run a complete station practice with one machine — fastballs for hitters, fly balls for outfielders, grounders for infielders.
No Power Required
Fully manual — no electricity, no batteries, no cords. Train anywhere: backyard, park, field, or indoor cage. Never limited by power access.
Adjustable for Every Skill Level
Dial the spring tension up or down to vary pitch speed. Whether you're easing a young player into faster pitches or pushing an advanced hitter to their limit, the Black Flame adjusts to meet your training needs.
Lightweight & Portable
Built to travel. The Black Flame is lightweight and easy to transport — toss it in the trunk and bring full batting practice wherever your team goes.
Durable, OEM-Supported Construction
Built tough for season-after-season use. Every OEM replacement part — springs, arms, brackets, knobs — is available right here at GameMaster Athletic so your machine keeps performing long-term.
Black Flame vs. Blue Flame — Which Is Right for You?
| Black Flame (UPM50) — $199.99 | Blue Flame (UPM45) — $179.99 | |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball Speed | Up to 50 mph | Up to 45 mph |
| Softball Speed | Up to 45 mph | Up to 60 mph |
| Best For | Intermediate to advanced baseball players | Youth through high school, softball players |
| Pitch Types | Fastballs, fly balls, grounders, slow-pitch | Fastballs, fly balls, grounders, slow-pitch |
| Power | Manual, no batteries | Manual, no batteries |
| OEM Parts Available | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Price | $199.99 | $179.99 |
Pro tip: If you primarily play softball or have younger players, the Blue Flame's higher softball speed (60 mph) makes it the better choice. For advanced baseball players focused on pitch recognition at game speed, go Black Flame. Shop the Blue Flame →
Why Coaches & Players Choose the Black Flame
- Higher baseball velocity — up to 50 mph for game-speed training
- No electricity or batteries — train anywhere
- Throws fastballs, fly balls, grounders, and slow-pitch
- Compatible with baseballs, softballs, and training balls
- Full OEM replacement parts available at GameMaster Athletic
- Trusted Louisville Slugger quality, exclusively at GameMaster Athletic
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Black Flame require electricity or batteries?
No — the Black Flame is fully manual. The spring-loaded arm mechanism requires no power source of any kind, making it ideal for any location.
What's the difference between the Black Flame and the Blue Flame?
The Black Flame throws baseballs up to 50 mph, making it better for intermediate to advanced baseball players. The Blue Flame throws baseballs up to 45 mph but softballs up to 60 mph, making it a better choice for softball and younger players.
What balls does it work with?
The Black Flame works with regulation baseballs, softballs, lite flight training balls, and tennis balls — giving you full flexibility for drills at any level.
Can it throw fly balls and grounders, not just fastballs?
Yes — adjusting the arm angle lets you throw fastballs, slow-pitch lobs, fly balls for outfield practice, and grounders for infield work. One machine for a complete practice.
What age or skill level is it designed for?
While it accommodates all ages, the Black Flame is most popular with intermediate to advanced baseball players — middle school through adult — who need game-speed pitching to develop their hitting.
Does it come assembled?
It arrives mostly assembled with quick, tool-free setup. Ground anchor spikes and a pull pin are included with assembly instructions.
Are replacement parts available?
Yes — all OEM replacement parts for the Black Flame (UPM50) are available at GameMaster Athletic, including springs, throwing arms, ball shields, and brackets. Shop Black Flame replacement parts →
Is there a bundle available?
Yes — the Black Flame Training Bundle includes the machine, a Flex Net, and a Ball Caddy for a complete practice setup.
Complete Your Setup
- Black Flame Training Bundle — Machine + Flex Net + Ball Caddy
- Louisville Slugger Flex Net — 5'x7' protective screen, sets up in seconds
- Portable Ball Caddy — Holds 85+ baseballs for nonstop reps
- Black Flame Replacement Parts — Full OEM parts catalog
Learn More: Training Tips & Drills
- Mastering the Louisville Slugger Pitching Machines
- Key Maintenance Tips for Your Pitching Machine
- From Practice to Game Day: Train Like You Actually Play
- How to Increase Bat Speed and Hitting Power
Invest in Your Game
The Louisville Slugger Black Flame Pitching Machine is a professional-grade training tool available exclusively through GameMaster Athletic — authorized Louisville Slugger distributor since the early 2000s. Built to perform season after season, backed by a full OEM parts catalog.
Train harder. React faster. Perform when it counts.
