Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right size mound?
Based on standard baseball guidelines, Leadoff built three different mound sizes, giving you the flexibility to choose the mound that’s right for you.
Use these age ranges as a guide:
- FirstStrike – Athletes ages 8 – 10 should be learning on a 6-inch rise.
- Velocity – Athletes ages 11-13 should pitch on an 8-inch rise.
- Prospect – Athletes ages 14 and older should pitch on a 10-inch rise.
Baseball mound guidelines recommend different rise heights is to help build proper pitching mechanics. Training on the wrong size mound can lead to improper mechanics and can take months or even years to fix. It's important to use the correct pitching mound for the athlete’s age. Changing the rise will, sometimes subtly, change an athlete's natural arm slot, release point, and even their stride length.
Material Information
What material is used to construct the pitching mound?
Our pitching mounds are CNC precision-cut using exterior grade Baltic Birch. This material is well known for its lightweight yet incredibly durable properties.
Are the hinges and other metal parts rust resistant and what are they made of?
Our heavy-duty, marine-grade hinges are made with 316 stainless steel, an austenitic chromium nickel steel alloy that contains molybdenum for superior corrosion resistance. Additionally, all our metal hardware including the draw latches and the screws are made of stainless steel. Leadoff built its mounds to be used in humid and dry climates. We know our athletes will take their mounds wherever they go. Stainless steel hardware ensures our pitching mounds are durable enough to withstand even the toughest grind. Don’t settle for a pitching mound made with regular door hinges and hardware that won’t stand up over time.
Do you have turf options for pitching mounds?
We're finalizing our turf pitching mounds and expect to have them available soon. If you're interested in getting one now, reach out to us at info@leadoffgear.com and we'll help you get started.
How are the pitching mounds made, and do you only use screws?
Our pitching mounds are made with exterior grade Baltic Birch. Our proprietary design is CNC precision-cut to ensure the engineered components perform as intended. Our craftsmen use Titebond III waterproof adhesive to glue the parts and then assemble them together. During this process, we micro-pin the parts to hold them in place. Before the adhesive cures, we use stainless steel screws to compress each joint to ensure an incredibly strong and permanent assembly. Then our pitching mounds are sanded and cleaned prior to final assembly.
Why do you use Baltic Birch and is it any different from the plywood at the big box stores?
Baltic Birch is used for its superior strength, stability, and void-free core, versus standard plywood. It features twice the ply count of standard plywood, a stronger adhesive that results in better warp resistance, and uniform cross-banded layers that provide exceptional strength and load-bearing capacity.
Why do you make pitching mounds with rubber instead of turf or carpet?
We are excited to offer our pitching mounds with our signature rubber flooring. This textile has outstanding shock absorption properties. In a training environment where
repetition is the name of the game, that shock absorption adds up over time.
Plus, turf can be more susceptible to wear and tear. This product is designed for the grit and grind of baseball! Our unique rubber surface resists moisture and cleans up easily with a damp cloth. We are designing a turf version and will be releasing it in 2026. Please email us at info@leadoffgear.com for more information on our turf options.
Why should I consider a wood pitching mound over a fiberglass mound?
The total cost of ownership. With so many escalating costs of baseball equipment, team dues, tournament fees, and more, every dollar counts. Our pitching mounds deliver exact dimensions, lasting quality, and true portability. Many fiberglass mounds use encapsulated foam and claim to be portable, but their size, weight, and bulk make them difficult to fit in a standard SUV or move easily from a garage to your backyard for practice.
Size and Dimensions
What are the dimensions of the pitching mounds?
Our pitching mounds meet baseball regulations & requirements adhering to the rise (height) and slope based on the athletes' age. The pitcher's plate (pitching rubber) is found atop the pitching mound on a flat surface known as the Table. The pitching rubber is centered on this flat surface and placed 6 inches prior to the slope leading to the batter's position. The slope is required to drop 1-inch every foot. We conducted and reviewed research, including bio-mechanical research into the stride and distance an athlete travels during any pitching motion. From this research, we developed the length and width on our pitching mounds. While we know many coaches like to train new/young pitchers to work from the stride/stretch, we found it was important that our training mounds provide the ability to throw from the windup as well. That requires a little bit more room. We designed our mounds for serious athletes, which is why we do not have pitching mounds less than 40-inches wide.
FirstStrike wheeled - Ages 8-10
Unfolded
40" Wide
90" Long
6-inches tall with a slope of 1-inch drop for every 1-foot in length
Folded
40" wide
30" long
13.5" tall
Velocity wheeled - Ages 11 - 13
Unfolded
40" wide
108" long
8-inches tall with a slope of 1-inch drop for every 1-foot in length
Folded
40" wide
39" long
18" tall
Prospect modular - Ages 14+
In Use
44" wide
120" long
10-inches tall with a slope of 1-inch drop for every 1-foot in length
Stacked
44" wide
45" long
23" tall
How big are the wheels that come with the pitching mounds?
Our wheeled pitching mounds come with a solid, PVC 12-inch wheel. These durable wheels have a super wide 1-3/4-inch width that provides stability over a variety of terrains. No more sinking into soft ground or airing up flat tires. The wheels also come with inner and outer bearings to ensure a smooth and reliable performance. Most portable mounds come with a 6-inch, narrow wheel, without bearings, which can make wheeling a mound cumbersome.
How heavy is my pitching mound?
Our pitching mounds are designed as two-person lifts. While we understand many people lift them on their own, we encourage everyone to practice safety wherever possible. Because our mounds are 40-inches (FirstStrike and Velocity) and 44-inches (Prospect) wide, our products are heavier than other portable mounds. We also use high-grade materials, adding to the weight but also ensuring a strong, long-lasting durable design.
- FirstStrike Weight - 91.1 lbs.
- Velocity 112.8 lbs.
- Prospect 135.3 lbs. total weight
By section:
Table - 44.1 lbs.
Slope 1 - 49.3 lbs.
Slope 2 - 41.9 lbs.
Will my pitching mound fit in my SUV/Car/Truck?
Leadoff designed its portable pitching mounds to fit in as many vehicles as possible. Our pitching mounds fit inside most standard-sized SUVs (and some compact SUVs, or wagons), vans, and nearly all trucks. However, we encourage you to review the dimensions of your specific pitching mound and the interior dimensions of your vehicle before purchasing a Leadoff mound.
Shipping
How do I track my order?
MOUND SHIPPING ONLY
Our mounds require specialized freight shipping due to their size. Orders typically arrive within 7–10 business days after processing. We partner with a professional freight carrier to ensure safe delivery of your equipment. You will receive a tracking number via email.
All other products ship using standard carriers. You will receive a tracking number via email.
What is your shipping policy? (Costs & timeframes)
We offer free shipping on our mounds. Our mounds require specialized freight shipping due to their size. Orders typically arrive within 7–10 business days after processing. We partner with a professional freight carrier to ensure safe delivery of your equipment.
For all other products, we offer flat rate shipping.
What should I do if I receive my item damaged?
Contact us within 24 hours of acceptance. Send us photos of any damage and details of the condition of the mound. We'll work with you to resolve it as quickly as possible.
Do you ship internationally?
Currently, we cannot ship outside of the USA.
Where do you ship pitching mounds?
Currently we only ship to the contiguous United States. Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico require special shipping and handling fees. Contact us for a custom quote to these locations.
Maintenance
How do I clean a Leadoff mound?
To keep your pitching mound in top condition, wipe it down with a damp cloth and plain water only. Avoid soaps, cleaners, and solvents, as these can damage the rubber surface and create unsafe, slippery conditions.
Do I need to do any maintenance on my pitching mound?
Your pitching mound requires minimal maintenance. Clean the mound surface with a damp cloth only. Over time or seasonally, apply a light coat of silicone spray to the marine-grade hinges and wheel bearings to ensure smooth operation. Avoid getting silicone or lubricant on the rubber surface.
Do you treat the wood on the pitching mounds with anything? Are they waterproof?
We do not treat our pitching mounds. While they are water resistant, they are not waterproof. If you choose to treat your mound yourself, we cannot guarantee the treatment will protect it or for how long it will last. For a custom-treated pitching mound with oil, stain, or paint, please contact us to discuss your options.
Can I leave my pitching mound outside?
Maximize the life of your pitching mound by exercising the built-in portability of our pitching mounds and always store them indoors when not in use.
Can I use metal or molded cleats on Leadoff pitching mounds?
NO - cleats will damage or quickly wear out your pitching mound flooring. Practice only in turf shoes or athletic training shoes.
Are these pitching mounds for use during a game?
Currently we only manufacture pitching mounds designed for pitching training. We recommend using our mounds exclusively for training purposes. Do not use during games, scrimmages, and competitive situations.
How do you put the wheels on the pitching mounds/take the wheels off?
Simply use the quick release push pin to attach or remove the wheels. Watch our product demo video here to see how easy it is to attach and use our Stow N' Throw Storage system.
Why do I remove the wheels from the pitching mound?
Athletes move up and down the pitching mound repeatedly during bullpen sessions and training. Stowing the wheels reduces the risk of tripping or bumping into them and helps prevent wheel loss. Always retract the wheels before training or pitching—never use your Leadoff Baseball mound with wheels in transport position.
Are the pitching mounds slick when they are wet/it rains?
Our rubber flooring sheds water quickly and dries faster than turf, so your mound stays practice-ready. Always check that the surface is completely dry before use, and avoid pitching on wet or damp surfaces for safety and performance.
Purchasing
Can I change or cancel my order?
Mounds Only
You can change the type of mound you want before it ships. We can also cancel your order if you notify us before it ships. Once the mound leaves our facility we cannot change or cancel an order. Email us at info@leadoffgear.com if you have a question about your order.
All Other Products
We can cancel or change your order before it ships.
Can I customize the name plate on my pitching mound?
We're sure you'll love our logoed name plate on the back of the mound, but if you want a custom plate, we can do that for you! You can put your team's name, logo, player name, or number on the plate. Check out our options on our website or contact us directly for details at info@leadoffgear.com.
I run a baseball facility—do you offer multi-unit discounts?
There are a few ways in which baseball facilities can receive a discount. A discount can be negotiated for selling our baseball mounds in your pro shop or arranging seasonal discount campaigns for your athletes. These are great ways to incentivize membership in your facility by offering equipment and apparel at discounted rates not offered to the public. Another way to achieve a discount is for ordering multiple units. Leadoff Baseball can work with you and your facility to reduce shipping times and fees on larger orders in addition to a discount. However, if you are looking to purchase/replace/update your facility or need customization, Leadoff Baseball can help you! Whether that's a full pitching bay, or multiple lanes, Leadoff can help design, fabricate, and in some instances install your custom order. Contact us for details.
I am a coach for an independent team; do you offer any discounts?
Baseball academies are a fantastic source of baseball knowledge and training. However, the backbone of baseball and often where a young athlete's journey begins is with an independent team. Teaching skills and building a love for the game. While we don't have a standing specific discount, we do have sales events throughout the year that will specifically be offered for coaches. Make sure to subscribe and be notified any time a sales event occurs.
Do you offer custom pitching mounds?
Yes, because we are the manufacturer we can help design and fabricate custom orders! Contact us for details at info@leadoffgear.com.
What is your return policy?
Mound Return Policy
If you are dissatisfied with your products, we will provide a refund within 30 days from the date of delivery. There is a 20% restocking fee and you are responsible for shipping fees to return the mound, undamaged to Leadoff.
All Other Products Return Policy
If you are dissatisfied with your Leadoff gear, we will refund your purchase price within 30 days from the date of delivery. You are responsible for shipping fees to return the product, undamaged to Leadoff.
Do the pitching mounds come with a warranty?
Pitching Mounds Only
We offer a one-year warranty on all parts and manufacturing defects.
Champro Products carry their own warranty. Please visit Champrosports.com/contactus
Where are your products manufactured?
Our products are designed, engineered and manufactured in the US.
The Leadoff Difference
What is Stow N' Throw?
Our patent-pending quick-release wheels let you remove them in seconds with a single push of a button—then safely stow them away so your athletes can step right into their bullpen without any setup hassle. Maximum portability, zero compromise on performance.
What is the difference between your wheeled pitching mound and your modular pitching mound?
Wheeled Mounds Our wheeled pitching mounds offer a unique folding design using marine grade hinges. The mounds come standard with 12-inch wheels and an integrated wheel axel to evenly distribute the weight of the pitching mound during transport. The wheels attach and
disconnect with our patent pending Stow N' Throw ™ storage system allows athletes to stow the wheels under the mound while throwing a bullpen.
What are the benefits of a modular pitching mound?
Our easy-to-carry modular design breaks our pitching mounds down into three manageable pieces. Each piece can be carried by one or more people. This design offers portability without the extra weight and added size and still prepares our athletes to put in the work for their next big game.
Why do you include a real pitcher’s plate/pitching rubber?
Some competitors offer painted wood as a substitute for a pitcher’s plate. We believe an
authentic pitching rubber results in better pitching performance during practice and the game.
Why are the latches on the side adjustable?
Our wheeled pitching mounds have adjustable draw latches to secure each section of the pitching mound together when transporting or for storage. The latches are adjustable by simply turning the latch arm. This will either tighten or loosen the draw between the catch plate/hook and the latch arm & loop. Over time draw latches may loosen slightly. An adjustable latch gives you the ability to make an adjustment when needed.
What does a quick release pin do and why are they used on a pitching mound?
Our quick release pin adds and removes the wheel with the push of a button. Fixed wheels on pitching mounds can create obstacles and tripping hazards, so we developed a unique design that allows large wheels to attach and be removed and easily stowed when the pitching mound is in use or in storage.
What benefit does rubber flooring provide on my pitching mound?
Our signature rubber flooring provides outstanding shock absorption. In a training environment where repetition is the name of the game, shock absorption adds up over time. The rubber resists moisture and cleans up easily with a damp cloth so you can easily keep your mound looking sharp!