For today's exercise and entertainment I biked to the local LL all star tournament. A 5'2" kid was pitching a gem. It was the third straight gem I've watched him pitch. Watching him pitch it was obvious to me he's had instruction. The kid was cool, collected, understood sequencing and settting up hitters. But there was a comment I heard repeated several times I finally couldn't stand anymore and couldn't hold back from responding any longer.
"The kid is winning now. Enjoy LL. He won't have an elbow by the time he's sixteen."
I had to ask even though I knew what the response would be ...
Me: Why won't he be pitching at sixteen? The kid's dad is 6'. After this kid grows he could be a dominant high school pitcher.
Doctor: Do you see what he's throwing. He throws a curveball.
Me: He's getting through games on less than 70 pitches throwing about one-third curves. He mixes up location and speed well. Plus he has awesome mechanics.
Doctor: Don't you know what curves do to kids arms?
Me: The studies say nothing. The experts couldn't come up with evidence properly thrown curves harm arms. I will accept curves thrown with poor mechanics may cause problems. Are you familiar with James Andrews and Glen Flesig?
Doctor: Are they a couple of clowns who say it's ok to throw a curve.
Me: Have you ever done any research of the biomechanics if pitching. As a coach I have. I would suggest to you the pitchers with strides that are way too short are potentially causing more arm problems by the resistance the short stride creates to their body and dragging their arm through the throw.
Doctor: I don't need any of your so called experts to con me into thinking throwing curves are safe. I'm a doctor. You don't know what you're talking about.
Me: Are you a sports orthopedic surgeon?
Doctor: It doesn't matter.
Me: Dr Andrews is the premier sports orthopedic surgeon in the world. The curveball kills arms is a baseball myth that's right up there with keep your back elbow up at the plate. Repeated through enough generations people who are too lazy to do the research just go on believing and passing on bad information.
Doctor: You don't know what you're talking about. You shouldn't be coaching. You're too dangerous to be around kids.
At this point I just laughed at him.