165. The Far-Reaching Effects of Pitching Velocity w/ Eric Cressey

The impact of increased velocity on injuries

The podcast episode discusses the far-reaching effects of increased velocity in baseball. Pitchers throwing harder has led to an increase in overuse injuries, such as ulnar collateral ligament tears, which sideline players for extended periods of time. Youth players are particularly susceptible to overuse injuries. Recovery and attention to soft tissue structures play a crucial role in protecting against ligament damage. Studies have shown a correlation between fastball velocity and injury risk, with harder throwers being more prone to injury. The rise in velocity has also affected other aspects of the game, such as an increase in hit by pitches and a higher number of pitcher injuries from comebackers.

The downstream effects of increased velocity

The increased velocity in baseball has led to several downstream effects. Infielders have to cover a greater range due to the ban on shifts, leading to more diving plays and potential injuries. Hitters have had to adjust their training to face higher velocity pitches, resulting in more miss hits and thumb injuries. Random practice has become more prevalent, exposing players to a wider variety of pitches and increasing their workload. Rule changes have been implemented to counter the dominance of pitchers, but have also led to new injury risks, such as increased collisions on stolen base attempts. Overall, the game has had to adjust to the challenges posed by increased velocity.

Addressing the challenge

To address the challenges posed by increased velocity, a multi-faceted approach is needed. Starting at the youth level, proper training, conditioning, and workload management should be emphasized to prevent injuries at a young age. Guidelines regarding volume and velocity should be established and followed. In the professional game, teams can play a role by evaluating workload, implementing recovery protocols, and finding appropriate rest periods for players. Discussions about the competitive schedule and potential adjustments, such as shorter seasons or more off days, should also be considered. However, solving this complex problem requires collaboration across various stakeholders in the baseball industry.

The importance of industry-wide solutions

The issue of increased velocity in baseball is a complex problem that requires industry-wide solutions. Skill development coaches, sport scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, and sports medicine staff all need to work together. Addressing the financial incentives associated with showcases and travel ball that encourage kids to throw harder and play more is crucial. Industry discussions on workload management, recovery, and the overall impact of increased velocity are necessary to navigate the challenges and protect the players. Sharing this information is important for raising awareness and promoting a comprehensive approach to address the effects of increased velocity in baseball.

Elite Baseball Development Podcast

165. The Far-Reaching Effects of Pitching Velocity w/ Eric Cressey

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The impact of increased velocity on injuries

The downstream effects of increased velocity

Addressing the challenge

The importance of industry-wide solutions

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