Coach Pitch vs. Machine Pitch

Question
My son has been playing coach pitch baseball for the last two years and just turned 8.  I am considering moving his team to machine pitch.  I was curious your recommendation on whether you prefer machine pitch or coach pitch?  And what are the pros and cons?

Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Matt,
Both are fine, depending on when you would use them.

When the kids are real young, I like coach pitch (and run on 3rd strike). 4,5 and 6 year old kids do not feel as safe with a machine as with an adult. However, when the kids get to 6,7 I do like machine pitch because it will throw strikes and kids will be able to put the bat on ball. The defense will get a chance to field. If kids pitched in this age group, strike outs or walks is all you get and there is no defense.

Machine pitch with 1 pitcher/team could be used at the 8 level--then by the time the kids are 9 or 10 you would be at kid pitch.

Hope this helps.
Steve