Comments on: Reader suggests stricter pitch limits

By: el burro sabio

el burro sabio — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 05:14:25 +0000

There are many flaws in pitch count limits and rest rules, too many to discuss at this time. Legislation is simply ridiculous. The best way to protect the kids is to apply common sense with each because all kids are built and react differently. Given that common sense is a major factor, I understand why some want more rules although that won’t solve the problem.

Food for thought – no one wants to see children injured, but what’s worse, a blown-out arm or numerous concussions before age 18?

By: Annoddah Dave

Annoddah Dave — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 02:20:27 +0000

DR: Thanks for those articles on youth pitching. You did not lay complete blame for the situation but “overzealous coaches and parents” are the source of the problem. Little League has instituted a mandatory pitch count for years now based on data that showed arm trouble for youth and surgery at ages 10-13 years old. However, they are but one league in this State. If you check, there is PONY, Babe Ruth, PAL, CABA, AAU, American Legion, plus a plethora of travel and tournament teams. Parents letting coaches ruin the rotator cuff of their kids are inexcusable. Parents living their athletic dreams through these kids are sad. Worse are the egos of coaches who continually have travel or select teams that play year round. Do they really care about the health of the kids? Probably not because there are plenty of kids and parents who will follow. Perhaps the solution to Mr. Nakamura’s question is not legislation, rather make sure that the teams are sanctioned nationally that play on park and school sites. Those teams without national sanctions/charters should not be allowed to exist. In this way you will mitigate some of the root causes.

By: oldtimer808

oldtimer808 — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 20:47:27 +0000

I agree that youth leagues should limit the number of pitches thrown. Unfortunately there are some coaches who will over use their pitchers with no regard for the welfare of the player. The arm is still developing and the over hand throwing motion is not a natural motion. Winning at the youth level is important but not at the expense of injuries to the players.