XMan
07-12-2016, 09:44 PM
Looks like the UIL will NOT implement pitch count restrictions in 2017. Enforcement and figuring out who exactly to punish for those not following the rules was cited as the biggest drawback. I see pitch counts being baseball's version of the concussion dilemma in football. Yes, its great to make a kid sit out and go through the protocol if they are thought to have concussion symptoms, but ultimately, teaching the kids to play WITHOUT GETTING A CONCUSSION is the ultimate goal. Coaches have to teach the kids how to tackle and give/receive contact in the proper way. In the same way, pitch counts are a band aid for a larger problem. Yes, the pitchers dont need to throw 150 pitches in a game or in back to back days etc but the ultimate goal here is to teach the pitchers to throw with proper mechanics so that they are less prone to injury. Having the pitchers participate in a throwing program in which they build up arm strength and continue to be monitored throughout the season on days when they are not pitching is equally important. Having a pitcher come out on his first day from basketball and throw even 80 or so pitches is WAY too many if said pitcher has not been throwing for at least 2 or 3 weeks in advance. Many small schools also have players lift low rep/high percentage weights the same day as high intensity throwing. Thus, the muscle does not have ample recovery time. (48 hrs) Sadly, the smaller you go in classifications, the less likely that there is at least one baseball coach that can teach proper throwing mechanics and/or has any clue about building up an arm and getting it into shape. Many times, the baseball coach(es) are simply football first guys that played some little league or high school ball and have been given the role as baseball coach to get them an extra stipend in the spring. If nothing else, maybe the arm injury discussion will open some eyes and see that there some value in having a "baseball guy" on the coaching staff.