This is not the first time that I have posted this topic, but every once in a while I really get overwhelmed as to how many people come here with pitchers (not professionals) but rather young, pre HS, HS and college.
I understand that there is a reward to the risk, but I am wondering what risks do you allow your pitchers to take that would put them in a situation that they would have these injuries so young?
People want to know why there is a negative vibe when they come here telling us how often their preteens/teens play, what they throw (too many pitches, too many outings, year round same sport, and too many breaking balls at a young age.
I am just wondering with all of the knowlwdge available with pitch count recommendations, etc why there are soooo many more injuries than there were even a few years ago.
So when my son was young we allowed only certain times of the year that he could throw a ball. And we limited his tournaments showcases and if he pitched he was done and his only option was the outfield as a preteen and then in HS first base. We didnt let him play V as a freshman either, there was no reason why he had to throw to older players until he actually was a bit older.
Yet unfortunately he did have injuries. Not anything major, but what is evident is that every time a pitcher is taken off the field for injuries, no matter at what level, HE LOSES HIS PLACE IN THE GAME. He gets older too.
So my point is, for those with young pitchers, think twice next season, and make a plan, stick to it. Become aware of what would be recommendations at what age, try to hold off on those showcases and tournies until it REALLY counts, if your pitcher wants to someday reach HS, college or beyond. And most of all if your pitcher says he hurts that is a signal something is wrong, the more you stop, then go, then stop the worse it can become. Take care of injuries early, see a qualified doctor and forget about what the trainer, the coach or the pitching coach says (that you pay lessons for), they don't have xray eyes! I love those guys that say, he just needs to change his mechanics and he will be fine.
With all of the pitching injuries going on these days, can anyone look back and say, thats what did it, I can, its really not that hard to figure out why injuries occur but son was an adult and a professional and HE took the risk, not us.