LAUNCH WHEEL FOR A BALL-THROWING MACHINE

A launch wheel of a ball-throwing machine including a coupling insert that includes one or more coupling mechanisms configured to clamp onto a motor shaft. Deflectable arms of the coupling mechanism are drawn together via a screw extending along a chord of the coupling insert. A manufacturing process of the wheel frame includes over-molding a wheel frame onto the coupling insert. End portions of the coupling insert extend beyond a hub of the wheel frame and include a smooth surface configured define a shut-off interfaces with an injection mold for the wheel frame. Each smooth surface extends inward from its respective end of the coupling insert beyond a corresponding coupling mechanism. A centralized knurled portion of an outside circumferential surface ensures secure attachment of the coupling insert with the wheel frame resulting from the over-molding process. Lateral and longitudinal slits extending partially through the coupling insert define the deflectable arms.