Franklin Sports Pitcher's Rubber - Softball + Baseball Pitch
✅ PROS
- Dual-sided design gives you both baseball (6-inch) and softball (4-inch) heights on one unit
- Heavyweight rubber construction stays put on dirt, grass, and turf without sliding
- Molded cleat-grip texture on top surface provides solid footing during push-off
❌ CONS
- No stakes or anchors included — can shift on very loose or sandy surfaces
- At roughly 2 pounds, it's light enough to blow away if left on a hard surface uncovered
The Verdict
The $20 Pitching Rubber That Fixes Your Backyard Practice Problem
If you’ve ever tried to pitch in the backyard without a mound, you know the struggle. Your front foot slips, your landing spot wanders, and your mechanics fall apart. The Franklin Sports Pitcher’s Rubber solves that specific headache for about the price of a pizza. But is it just a chunk of rubber, or does it actually deliver? After digging through 235 ratings and the specs, here’s the real story.
What you actually get
The box contains a single piece: a molded rubber slab measuring roughly 24 inches long by 6 inches wide. The headline feature is the dual-sided design. Flip it one way, and you get a 6-inch-high pitching surface for baseball. Flip it over, and it’s 4 inches for softball. That’s genuinely useful for families with players in both sports, or for coaches who work with different age groups.
The rubber compound is stiff but not brittle. It’s got a textured top surface with molded cleat grips, which gives your push-off foot actual traction. No stakes, no anchors, no carrying bag — just the rubber. At about 2 pounds, it’s portable enough to toss in a gear bag, but that lightness cuts both ways.
How it performs in real use
The dual-height system works exactly as advertised. Baseball players get the standard 6-inch rise, which matches the height of a regulation mound’s pitching rubber. Softball players flip it over for the 4-inch version, which aligns with their 43-foot distance. That’s a thoughtful touch that most competitors don’t offer at this price point.
Where this rubber earns its keep is stability. The wide base and heavy-duty rubber compound grip dirt and grass surprisingly well. One reviewer noted, “I’ve used it on my backyard mound for two seasons and it hasn’t moved an inch.” Another mentioned, “Perfect for bullpen sessions — my son’s mechanics finally look consistent because his landing spot doesn’t drift.”
The cleat-grip texture isn’t just marketing. Pitchers who push off hard will appreciate the traction. The rubber doesn’t compress under weight, so you get a firm, consistent push-off surface every time.
Where it falls short
The lack of anchoring hardware is the biggest miss. On loose, sandy soil or artificial turf, the rubber can shift mid-delivery. That’s a safety concern for younger pitchers who might not notice the movement. A simple solution is to stake it down yourself, but at this price, you shouldn’t have to MacGyver it.
The lightweight construction is also a double-edged sword. Leave it on a concrete patio or driveway, and a gust of wind will relocate it. Store it indoors when not in use, or accept that it’s a backyard tool, not a permanent installation.
Who should buy this
This is squarely aimed at three groups: parents setting up a backyard practice area, coaches running bullpen sessions without a full mound, and players who want to practice pitch mechanics indoors or on flat ground. If you’re a serious pitcher building a permanent mound setup, spend more on a full pitching mound. If you want a versatile, portable rubber that handles both baseball and softball, this is the one.
FAQ
Q: Does it work on concrete or pavement? A: Yes, but the grip is better on dirt or grass. On hard surfaces, the rubber can slide slightly if you push off aggressively. Use it outdoors on natural surfaces for best results.
Q: Can I use this for indoor practice? A: Absolutely. It’s flat enough to use in a garage or basement on a rug or mat. Just be aware it won’t stay put on smooth concrete without some weight behind it.
Q: How durable is the rubber over time? A: Owners report it holds up well through regular use. The material resists cracking and UV damage. One reviewer mentioned using it for two full seasons with minimal wear.
The Verdict
Buy it if you need a reliable, dual-sport pitching rubber for backyard practice or bullpen work and don’t want to spend $50+ on a full mound setup.
Skip it if you’re building a permanent pitching area or need something that anchors securely to loose soil without modification.
Rating: 4.6/5 — The Franklin Sports Pitcher’s Rubber does exactly what it promises, with the only real complaints being the missing stakes and lightweight build. For the price, it’s the best dual-sided option on the market.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.