Losing velocity

OFF

see a good sports doc and let your son explain the "sensations" that he is feeling---let the doc tell you where to start

It may be something that therapy can fix

OtC-

The only way you'll know for sure that the mechanics haven't changed is to view a video of his highest velocity throws vs. now, 8mph is a lot. I'd be looking in that direction before I wasted money and time at the dr's.

Are you 100% sure his mechanics are the same?

If so then it may (if it's not an injury) be a timing issue

This is going to sound like a silly question, but was his velocity measured on the same gun? There are some drastic differences between a Stalker and a Juggs Gun... I am not sure if that difference is as high as 8mph but I would be willing to bet it is in the ball park of 4 to 6 MPH. Just something to consider.

the usual difference between a stalker and jugs is 1 to 2 MPH

I thought that it was more, but seeing as I do not have much experience with radar guns I will concede. Hopefully you can figure out what the issue is with your son, it must be a frustrating situation for him. Good luck.

It is fustrating.

The thing that is really wild , the last time he pitched was 7-innings; 3 hits; one run; one HPB; no walks and 4 K's.

and Pain?//

Dont mess with it--get him checked out

Often no pain is noticed with UCL injuries. Get an MRI if the school or insurance will pay for it.

OfftoCollege - You need to start with an evaluation by your physician. Insurance companies will not pay for MRI without proper evaluations and lower level studies performed. If the physcian clears him, then I would obtain an evaluation by a sports physical therapist who can look at his entire body to see if there might be a problem (as you hit on) with a part of his body other than his arm/shoulder. A good orthopedic/sports med doc is the place to start.

Considering the amount of money and time you already have invested in your son a physical by a sports physician can at least eliminate a medical problem.

Savannah;

What and where is the UCL?

The Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) is in the elbow. I have occassionally heard it referred to as MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament). IT is the site of Tommy John Surgery.

Good link explaining UCL injuries, Tommy John surgery, rehab, etc. http://carlykreps.tripod.com/tommyjohn/index.html

My son was pitching in early spring in a tournament. The weather was brutal, Cold ,rainy sunny and wind. I was turning blue EH! He had 7 Ks in 3 innings, popped up 3 in the 4th and threw 3 pitches in the 5th and pulled himself.
He said his arm was stiff and did not feel right. 1st time ever) To date he had thrown 31 innings with1 earned run given up and 1 unearned run. He said there was no pain but his elbow was stiff and a little discomfort. He didnot think it was serious and just took it easy. He appeared in 4 games after that and was not the same kid. After a game in Cleveland where he pulled himself after 1 inning I took him to a Chiropractor who specialized in pitchers and does evaluations for MLB teams.
He told us the elbow was fine and his Ulna was swelled. He offered that he was compensating mentally for the discomfort enough to change his velocity and movement.
The next couple of weeks he took it easy until his arm felt better. He then was back on trck closing 2 games back to back 2 innings each with 10ks over 4 innings and a week later threw a 2 hit shut out against a great team in Schenectady NY.
There was no pain only a weird feel in his elbow. Pitchers also get tired arm witch slows them down. In the frustration of trying to get velocity they also open up their front side too often resulting in reduced velocity and control problems.