The American Journal of Sports Medicine released an article in 1995 studying injuries in pitchers, specifically the rotator cuff muscles. It seems that in the quest for faster and faster pitching speeds, the rate of injuries increases also. Currently the average fastball speed ranges from 88-94 mph with a select few being able to break the 100mph barrier, I think we all remember Randy Johnson disintegrating the bird. But how much force does it take to throw the ball that hard? According the study in AJSM 1090 Newtons are generated at the shoulder and 64N-M are generated at the elbow. Excessive tension was noted from the bicep muscle as it put a strain on the elbow joint.
With the introduction of workout supplements I can't help but wonder how much of an increase in injury rate has occurred since the study was conducted in 1995. It seems that athletes are getting bigger and bigger and stronger and stronger. Look at any commercial on t.v. while watching, the athletes resemble the statues of Greek gods. With this increase in muscle mass, so too would an increase in injury rate to joints. Tommy Johns surgery is happening at an ever increasing rate to pitchers and I must ask, why do athletes put themselves through this pain? In all honesty its not a life and death situation if the Rangers don't win the World Series, so why the need for workout supplements and 95mph fastballs?
I think that players are getting hurt more and more often, and the ones that make it from the kids dreaming of plaing in the big leagues to actually playing are few and far between. I have friends who played baseball in high school and went on to play in college and say that it is just a matter of time until they get hurt. In high school they play all the time and most coaches don't give them any rest like they need. So these kids see the MLB players and want to play all the time and get big like them. Sometimes at any means possible, leagal or illegal.
ReplyDeleteI would think they want to play and the pain doesn't matter. Some players go straight from high school to the majors. If they don't have baseball what do they have?
I've always wondered how hard the athletes push themselves to almost "super-human" capabilities. You see the steroid argumnets against Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa and wonder if its really worth damaging your body for a sport? I understand the drive and passion to succeed, but is it really necessary for a game?
DeleteInteresting I read this just as I hear about Brian Wilson, the SF Giants stud reliever, about to go under the knife for his 2nd TJ surgery. Brian Wilson when asked about his 2010 postseason run and how much he pitched: "That's how I play baseball. Push it to the limits."
DeleteWhen you throw a 95-98 MPH fastball that many times, using as much force in your body and arm as possible, this seems to be coming more common. It's especially important when you look at the present and common day surgery, pitchers feel like they can easily push the limits and be fine even if they have surgery. It used to be you needed "TJ Surgery" your career was over.