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For the past four decades, youth baseball players have been grappling with a pervasive and concerning issue – arm injuries. The sight of young athletes, some barely in their teenage years, throwing with pain and suffering from injuries that often lead to surgeries is disheartening. The problem is not isolated to youth baseball; even Major League Baseball (MLB) players are experiencing an alarming increase in injuries, forcing them to throw fewer innings each year. The days of pitchers logging 150-200 innings in a season seem like a distant memory. In this article, we will delve into the root causes of the issue and explore ways to halt this madness, safeguarding the future of baseball players.
Understanding the Arm Injury Epidemic
1. Year-Round Commitment: One of the primary reasons for the surge in arm injuries among youth baseball players is the year-round commitment to the sport. Many young athletes are encouraged to participate in multiple leagues and tournaments throughout the year, without adequate rest periods. The continuous strain on young arms increases the risk of injury. 2. Overuse and Mismanagement: Coaches and parents often push young athletes to excel, but this pressure can lead to overuse and mismanagement. Young players are thrown into excessive pitch counts and asked to perform at a level their bodies are not ready for, which can result in severe injuries. 3. Pitching Mechanics: Poor pitching mechanics can put added stress on the arm. Young players may not have access to the proper coaching and training to develop sound mechanics, which is crucial for preventing injuries. 4. Lack of Rest and Recovery: Rest and recovery are crucial for any athlete, but it is often overlooked in youth baseball. Young players need adequate downtime to heal, both physically and mentally. 5. Early Specialization: Specializing in baseball at a young age can have long-term consequences. It limits an athlete's exposure to a variety of sports and can lead to burnout and a higher risk of injury.
Solutions to the Arm Injury Epidemic
1. Education: The first step to solving this issue is educating parents, coaches, and young athletes about the dangers of overuse and mismanagement. Understanding the importance of balanced training, rest, and recovery is key. 2. Pitch Count Limits: Implementing strict pitch count limits is a step in the right direction. Various youth baseball organizations have introduced guidelines to ensure that young pitchers do not throw an excessive number of pitches. 3. Off-Season Training: Encourage young players to engage in off-season training that focuses on overall athleticism and not just pitching. This can help reduce the risk of injury and improve performance. 4. Pitching Mechanics: Proper coaching and training in pitching mechanics are crucial. Investing in quality coaching at an early age can make a significant difference in preventing injuries. 5. Multi-Sport Participation: Encourage young athletes to participate in multiple sports. This not only reduces the risk of burnout but also promotes overall physical development. 6. Rest and Recovery: Coaches and parents must emphasize the importance of rest and recovery. Young athletes should have scheduled downtime to allow their bodies to heal and prevent overuse injuries. 7. Medical Support: Access to medical professionals who specialize in sports medicine can be invaluable in preventing and addressing arm injuries. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can make a significant difference in a player's recovery.
The MLB's Role in the Solution
Major League Baseball has a critical role to play in addressing this issue. They can:
1. Invest in Youth Development: MLB teams can invest in youth development programs that focus on injury prevention, including providing coaching and medical support. 2. Advocate for Change: MLB can advocate for and support initiatives that promote healthier practices in youth baseball, including pitch count limits and off-season training programs. 3. Raise Awareness: MLB has a significant platform and can use it to raise awareness about the importance of injury prevention and safe practices in youth baseball.
The epidemic of arm injuries among youth baseball players is a deeply concerning issue that requires immediate attention and action. The well-being of young athletes is at stake, and we must take the necessary steps to protect their futures. By addressing the root causes, educating all stakeholders, and implementing preventative measures, we can ensure that no player throws with pain, sustains an injury, or undergoes surgery due to overuse and mismanagement. The days of pushing young pitchers to log excessive innings must come to an end, and in its place, we can foster a culture of health and longevity in the sport of baseball. It's time to pitch a new game for the future of our young athletes. See the article below and consider where you invest your time to play and train.
MLB Pitching Then and Now
• In 1977, 371 MLB pitchers took the mound vs. 871 pitchers in 2022
• In 1977, 57 MLB pitchers threw at least 200 innings vs. 7 in 2022
• In 1977, there were 26 teams 20/26 teams had 2 or more pitchers who threw 200 innings or more
• 9/26 teams had 3 or more pitchers who threw 200 innings or more
• 2/26 teams had 4 or more pitchers who threw 200 innings or more
• 1/26 teams (LAD) had 5 pitchers who threw 200+ innings
• In 2022, 7 of 30 teams had 1 pitcher who threw 200
• or more
• In 1977, 807 pitchers threw complete games (22% of all MLB games) vs. 36 in 2022 (1% of all MLB games
• More pitchers are getting an opportunity to pitch at the MLB level and more are getting injured
• Unavailability of some of the best performing pitchers is diluting the MLB product
• 124 of 360 pitchers who started the 2023 season have had Tommy John surgery
• 30 or the 64 hardest throwers in 2023 have had or are scheduled to have TJS
• As of September 1,2023, MLB had paid $500M to injured pitchers
• 562 professional pitchers had TJS between 1974 (first TJS) and 2021
• 2,273 HS, college, MiLB and MLB pitchers have had TJS since 1974
• Why? Overuse in youth, HS, college, pro baseball?
• Improper pitching mechanics?
• Emphasis on metrics – velocity, spin rate, etc.?
• Improper training methods?
• Improper workload management?
• Limiting innings at the minor league level?
• Climate change?
