It is always so hard to go through something like that. Tough on the kids and the parents! I think you're right to prioritize being a great high school pitcher over being great at 13. Over the years, I have seen a lot of kids flame out because of overuse. Coaches push those pitch limits (much better than innings limits) because they just want to win. You have to be very clear with coaches up front about pitch count per game . . . but also per week, and per season.
We have a grandson who just signed a 4-year ride to an ACC school as a pitcher. He was fortunate to get an advisor who strictly limited his pitch counts in his travel program . . . but also during his high school season. Even as a senior, he was usually capped at 85-90 pitches, only once going over 100. They also relegated him to first base instead of his normal center field the day or two after pitching.
The sad part is, many have told him that these days it's not if you hurt your arm, but when. He has been lucky so far, but with that in mind, he has spent countless hours doing the things he needs to do to keep his arm strong and healthy. And a big part of that is knowing when to stop! Good luck with your son . . . it is a great journey!
Thank you for this! And congrats to your grandson, that's fantastic. A four-year ACC ride as a pitcher, with an advisor who helped hold the line on pitch counts…That last part feels rare, but it clearly worked.
"Not if, but when" is almost word for word what a lot of baseball minds have told us too. My son's sports doc adds a wrinkle: shoulder injuries are common while young pitchers are still growing, but it's elbow injuries that become more common once they're fully grown and, sadly, starting in high school. Hard to hear, either way.
Love the point you shared about moving him to first base the day or two after he pitched. That's a program building the discipline into the routine instead of leaving it up to whoever's coaching that day. We're doing the same moving forward — pitch counts by outing, by week, by month, real rest, a real offseason, all after he safely completes a return to throwing program his doc prescribed.
Appreciate you sharing his story. Sounds like he's earned every bit of his success and has had a great team around him. Good luck to him!
Agree on the shoulder/elbow progression. The emphasis of velocity and spin puts enormous strain on the elbow. The group my grandson worked with are heavy on strengthening the arm, low pitch counts, and proper mechanics, but even they say “when” not “if.” Ugh!
You sound like you know what you’re doing and can be a real advocate for regulating his pitching. Some coaches don’t like it but the kid comes first. We have watched coaches have a kid pitch three innings and catch the final four . . . or vice versa . . . so a lot of times you can’t trust the coach . . . but sometimes you can! There are some real good ones out there! Our daughter and her husband felt lucky to have the strong advocate to be their spokesperson. Sadly, he carried a little more weight than “concerned parents.”
Changing subjects ac little . . . be aware that as he gets older he may get designated a “PO” , or pitcher only. That happened to our grandson but he has worked his way into a possible two-way situation . . . at least he gets to try to prove it at upper level. His goal has always been the MLB, and a PO was thought to be his best shot. But he really was mourning playing every day and worrying about being a full-time PO. For your son, if he is thinking about playing college ball, you really need to be looking long-term and thinking about does he want to be a PO, a two-way, or a regular player who plays everyday? It will be an easier decision as he gets older, but I suggest now top make sure he continues to play and improve at other positions before locking into a PO . . . unless his top goal is to be a pitcher at a higher level.
Good stuff, thank you! He loves to pitch but he loves the game just as much or more. His favorite thing to do is barrel a baseball. He plays up the middle, loves being out there especially when the game is close, and he also knows there's value to being the kid who can play everywhere, hit, and pitch. He knows at some point he might be asked to be a PO, but it's not what he's chasing. He wants more.
Man, Tony, you and I are gonna have some great conversations down the road. Such a fine dance between letting a kid go out and have fun and creating lasting memories with friends (without being guaranteed a tomorrow in this game or life) while also making plans and prepping a young ballplayer for a chance to make a run at their down-the-road goals and dreams. There are pitching guidelines, but no two kids are built the same. There are so many variables and factors involved with throwing a baseball, and some kids will develop an issue even when below the threshold; my oldest son did as well (at fourteen). All a player, parent, or coach can do is learn from it and make a better individualized plan moving forward.
Just want to say I enjoy your perspective. Former baseball PR guy and now current baseball dad, youth coach and league administrator. Your stuff is relevant to every corner of my existence in the baseball universe.
This means a lot. Thank you! With that background, I'd love to know: what's the moment you think parents get wrong most often? Also, are you a Detroit guy?
I am a Detroit area resident- although my baseball work experience (all minor leagues) wasn’t in Detroit nor in the Tigers system. You know for me it’s hard to pinpoint one way that parents get it wrong- because if there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that every kid has a different development track. There could be a kid that really wants to get better and their parents are getting it wrong by not playing with them in the front yard, where another kid their parents might be getting it wrong by going too heavy on games and not enough on practice or lessons or whatever. Player development is hard to apply as a one-size-fits-all type approach- IMHO. My kid (8 years old) is like yours- he’d put on a uniform every weekend if he could (and often does). He hates being still. Doesn’t play with toys. Plays with the Nintendo switch, his tablet, and sports. Been a fun journey so far. I always say, I am not living through my kid. But I am living with him and alongside him. His journey into the game has given mine a new chapter, one that impacts kids far beyond himself. I love having a front row seat to my kids best moments but with coaching, it feels like they’re ALL my kids.
We call Alex our golden retriever because he never sits still. The front row seat is sweet, especially when you see them look over and look for you. And you're right, they are all your kids. Tough job. Coaching. But rewarding. A lot like parenting. I grew up in suburban Detroit, worked at the Detroit News for a bit then out here at the San Diego Union-Tribune, but my newspaper days feel like a long time ago. Nice to 'meet' you and thanks again for the kind words. Good luck at the fields!
Thanks! Got SoCal checked off on my baseball resume as well, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, 2007.
I always tell people I’d still love my son if he was into piano but man is it fun that he loves baseball. I love seeing it through his eyes. I can tell you’ve had that same experience.
It is so hard being a parent of young athlete. So much pressure and so many things to manage.ci try to remember it's just as much about building the quiet moments and foundation. So many kids that do make it, trust the quiet, embrace it and push, and this is a moment that will help him (son) learn and understand that.
Every path is so different and I truly appreciate the way you pour your heart out in these posts so many others can relate.
Simply thank you, and good luck to proper healing for your son, so that this is merely a blip on the radar of life
I sure appreciate that. I sat on this story for weeks, We’re never gonna please everyone but I have heard from a lot of parents who have gone through or are going through something similar. I hadn’t thought about the quiet moments but you’re right. Thank you!
Jason, appreciate that. I’m looking forward to having those conversations and getting our boys together. You’re right that even doing everything right doesn't guarantee anything. Lots have parents have weighed in today, some with crushing LL shoulder and elbow stories, many with stories of how their kid emerged stronger after a lot of rest and a lot of PT, and others who are saying I should not let Alex pitch again for a couple years. The feedback reminds me that this game is beautiful and brutal.
What we have found with years upon years of sports competition with our own boys is what used to be called accuscope and myopulse machines that helped in the recovery process and cut the healing time in half. There are practitioners of this in the San Diego area. John Thorp was our contact and I'm sure he could point you in the right direction.
Thank you, Cathy! That’s a good referral especially coming from you. You and Dave could fill multiple books with the sports stories you two have been a part of with your kids. I mean why do you think I enjoy talking to Dave so much? 😎
It is always so hard to go through something like that. Tough on the kids and the parents! I think you're right to prioritize being a great high school pitcher over being great at 13. Over the years, I have seen a lot of kids flame out because of overuse. Coaches push those pitch limits (much better than innings limits) because they just want to win. You have to be very clear with coaches up front about pitch count per game . . . but also per week, and per season.
We have a grandson who just signed a 4-year ride to an ACC school as a pitcher. He was fortunate to get an advisor who strictly limited his pitch counts in his travel program . . . but also during his high school season. Even as a senior, he was usually capped at 85-90 pitches, only once going over 100. They also relegated him to first base instead of his normal center field the day or two after pitching.
The sad part is, many have told him that these days it's not if you hurt your arm, but when. He has been lucky so far, but with that in mind, he has spent countless hours doing the things he needs to do to keep his arm strong and healthy. And a big part of that is knowing when to stop! Good luck with your son . . . it is a great journey!
Thank you for this! And congrats to your grandson, that's fantastic. A four-year ACC ride as a pitcher, with an advisor who helped hold the line on pitch counts…That last part feels rare, but it clearly worked.
"Not if, but when" is almost word for word what a lot of baseball minds have told us too. My son's sports doc adds a wrinkle: shoulder injuries are common while young pitchers are still growing, but it's elbow injuries that become more common once they're fully grown and, sadly, starting in high school. Hard to hear, either way.
Love the point you shared about moving him to first base the day or two after he pitched. That's a program building the discipline into the routine instead of leaving it up to whoever's coaching that day. We're doing the same moving forward — pitch counts by outing, by week, by month, real rest, a real offseason, all after he safely completes a return to throwing program his doc prescribed.
Appreciate you sharing his story. Sounds like he's earned every bit of his success and has had a great team around him. Good luck to him!
Agree on the shoulder/elbow progression. The emphasis of velocity and spin puts enormous strain on the elbow. The group my grandson worked with are heavy on strengthening the arm, low pitch counts, and proper mechanics, but even they say “when” not “if.” Ugh!
You sound like you know what you’re doing and can be a real advocate for regulating his pitching. Some coaches don’t like it but the kid comes first. We have watched coaches have a kid pitch three innings and catch the final four . . . or vice versa . . . so a lot of times you can’t trust the coach . . . but sometimes you can! There are some real good ones out there! Our daughter and her husband felt lucky to have the strong advocate to be their spokesperson. Sadly, he carried a little more weight than “concerned parents.”
Changing subjects ac little . . . be aware that as he gets older he may get designated a “PO” , or pitcher only. That happened to our grandson but he has worked his way into a possible two-way situation . . . at least he gets to try to prove it at upper level. His goal has always been the MLB, and a PO was thought to be his best shot. But he really was mourning playing every day and worrying about being a full-time PO. For your son, if he is thinking about playing college ball, you really need to be looking long-term and thinking about does he want to be a PO, a two-way, or a regular player who plays everyday? It will be an easier decision as he gets older, but I suggest now top make sure he continues to play and improve at other positions before locking into a PO . . . unless his top goal is to be a pitcher at a higher level.
Good stuff, thank you! He loves to pitch but he loves the game just as much or more. His favorite thing to do is barrel a baseball. He plays up the middle, loves being out there especially when the game is close, and he also knows there's value to being the kid who can play everywhere, hit, and pitch. He knows at some point he might be asked to be a PO, but it's not what he's chasing. He wants more.
Great mindset! The joy of playing so important. Sounds like he has it! Hope he recovers quickly so he can get back to it!
Man, Tony, you and I are gonna have some great conversations down the road. Such a fine dance between letting a kid go out and have fun and creating lasting memories with friends (without being guaranteed a tomorrow in this game or life) while also making plans and prepping a young ballplayer for a chance to make a run at their down-the-road goals and dreams. There are pitching guidelines, but no two kids are built the same. There are so many variables and factors involved with throwing a baseball, and some kids will develop an issue even when below the threshold; my oldest son did as well (at fourteen). All a player, parent, or coach can do is learn from it and make a better individualized plan moving forward.
Just want to say I enjoy your perspective. Former baseball PR guy and now current baseball dad, youth coach and league administrator. Your stuff is relevant to every corner of my existence in the baseball universe.
This means a lot. Thank you! With that background, I'd love to know: what's the moment you think parents get wrong most often? Also, are you a Detroit guy?
I am a Detroit area resident- although my baseball work experience (all minor leagues) wasn’t in Detroit nor in the Tigers system. You know for me it’s hard to pinpoint one way that parents get it wrong- because if there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that every kid has a different development track. There could be a kid that really wants to get better and their parents are getting it wrong by not playing with them in the front yard, where another kid their parents might be getting it wrong by going too heavy on games and not enough on practice or lessons or whatever. Player development is hard to apply as a one-size-fits-all type approach- IMHO. My kid (8 years old) is like yours- he’d put on a uniform every weekend if he could (and often does). He hates being still. Doesn’t play with toys. Plays with the Nintendo switch, his tablet, and sports. Been a fun journey so far. I always say, I am not living through my kid. But I am living with him and alongside him. His journey into the game has given mine a new chapter, one that impacts kids far beyond himself. I love having a front row seat to my kids best moments but with coaching, it feels like they’re ALL my kids.
We call Alex our golden retriever because he never sits still. The front row seat is sweet, especially when you see them look over and look for you. And you're right, they are all your kids. Tough job. Coaching. But rewarding. A lot like parenting. I grew up in suburban Detroit, worked at the Detroit News for a bit then out here at the San Diego Union-Tribune, but my newspaper days feel like a long time ago. Nice to 'meet' you and thanks again for the kind words. Good luck at the fields!
Thanks! Got SoCal checked off on my baseball resume as well, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, 2007.
I always tell people I’d still love my son if he was into piano but man is it fun that he loves baseball. I love seeing it through his eyes. I can tell you’ve had that same experience.
It is so hard being a parent of young athlete. So much pressure and so many things to manage.ci try to remember it's just as much about building the quiet moments and foundation. So many kids that do make it, trust the quiet, embrace it and push, and this is a moment that will help him (son) learn and understand that.
Every path is so different and I truly appreciate the way you pour your heart out in these posts so many others can relate.
Simply thank you, and good luck to proper healing for your son, so that this is merely a blip on the radar of life
I sure appreciate that. I sat on this story for weeks, We’re never gonna please everyone but I have heard from a lot of parents who have gone through or are going through something similar. I hadn’t thought about the quiet moments but you’re right. Thank you!
Jason, appreciate that. I’m looking forward to having those conversations and getting our boys together. You’re right that even doing everything right doesn't guarantee anything. Lots have parents have weighed in today, some with crushing LL shoulder and elbow stories, many with stories of how their kid emerged stronger after a lot of rest and a lot of PT, and others who are saying I should not let Alex pitch again for a couple years. The feedback reminds me that this game is beautiful and brutal.
What we have found with years upon years of sports competition with our own boys is what used to be called accuscope and myopulse machines that helped in the recovery process and cut the healing time in half. There are practitioners of this in the San Diego area. John Thorp was our contact and I'm sure he could point you in the right direction.
Thank you, Cathy! That’s a good referral especially coming from you. You and Dave could fill multiple books with the sports stories you two have been a part of with your kids. I mean why do you think I enjoy talking to Dave so much? 😎