How to Get Sponsors to Buy a Pitching Machine

Batters use pitching machines to work on their stances and to learn to hit different types of pitches. You know that your team or league would do well with a pitching machine, but you just cannot afford it. While you have a couple of fundraising ideas, you aren't sure that you can pay for the machine. Here's how to get sponsors to buy a pitching machine for your league.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the type of pitching machine you'll need. With younger players, a single-wheel machine that pitches only straight at the batter may work, but older batters must have a double-wheel machine to simulate various types of pitches. The single-wheel machines are much less expensive. Other options, too, affect price, and you need to know the amount of money needed before approaching sponsors.

    • 2

      Know what you can do for the sponsors. While some companies do donate for the charitable aspect, buying a pitching machine is not likely to fit into that corporate giving scenario. Instead, the company leaders may want something from the deal. Offers of ad space on your website or in your program, logo placement on the team jerseys or banners around the field are ideas you can present to potential sponsors.

    • 3

      Select several companies you think represent good possibilities for sponsorship. If an executive has a child on the team, then look to those sponsorships first. Also, consider what companies have sponsored sports teams in the past and ask them.

    • 4

      Present these companies with a clear outline of the plan. In addition to the cost of the pitching machine, you must have an idea of how many people will see the advertising. Use concrete figures, such as the number of players who participate in baseball at the particular complex.

    • 5

      Keep alternatives on the table. A company may only want to donate for a portion of the machine. Figure out how much you think that you can raise through fundraisers so you're prepared to negotiate the sponsorship to the company with confidence.