The rise of fastball velocity and year-round baseball play has led to an epidemic of Tommy John surgeries in young athletes. These surgeries, a lifeline for players with torn ulnar collateral ligaments (UCL), have become commonplace, especially in young pitchers, a trend that has sparked concerns about the long-term health of these athletes.

Tommy John Surgery: A Game Changer

In 1974, a pioneering surgery invented by Dr. Frank Jobe, saved the career of Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tommy John, who had suffered a career-ending UCL tear. This procedure, now aptly named after him, has become a standard practice in baseball, with nearly 35% of active MLB pitchers having undergone the surgery.

Understanding The Procedure

The Tommy John surgery involves replacing a torn UCL with a tendon taken from the patient’s forearm. The new ligament is then secured and tightened, effectively creating a “brand-new” ligament that replaces the injured one. While this surgery has undoubtedly saved countless careers, it highlights a larger problem – the increasing prevalence of UCL tears.

The Rise of UCL Tears: A Time Bomb

The primary cause of UCL tears in baseball pitchers is the combination of intense throwing velocity and the increasing volume of throws. Today’s MLB pitchers are throwing harder than ever before, with the average fastball reaching 93.8 mph, a significant increase compared to just 15 years ago. The rising intensity is not limited to the professional level; young athletes, starting at a young age, are pushing their bodies to similar limits.

The Price of Perfection

The pressure on young athletes to achieve success has resulted in year-round baseball play, which, combined with high-intensity training, creates a heavy toll on the pitcher’s arm. Dr. Chris Ahmad, chief of sports medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia, emphasizes the high-risk environment for young pitchers. He notes a dramatic rise in Tommy John surgery cases, with nearly 60% of patients under the age of 19.

Addressing The Epidemic

John Smoltz, a Hall of Fame pitcher and recipient of a Tommy John surgery, is calling for a cultural shift in the way youth baseball is played. He stresses the need to prioritize safe throwing practices, emphasizing the importance of taking breaks from baseball to prevent overuse and injury.

Breaking The Cycle

Smoltz urges Little League organizations to discourage excessive velocity in young pitchers. He believes that pushing for extreme speeds at such a young age may result in long-term injuries that could significantly impact their future in baseball. This call for change emphasizes the importance of responsible training and recognizing the potential health risks associated with high-intensity baseball play.

Takeaways

• The increased prevalence of Tommy John surgery, particularly among young athletes, signals a major concern regarding the health of baseball players.
• The combination of high-intensity throwing and year-round baseball play has led to the rising rate of UCL tears.
• There is a growing need for a cultural shift in youth baseball, focusing on promoting safe throwing practices and advocating for seasonal breaks to prevent overuse.
• Addressing these concerns will require collective efforts from all stakeholders, including Little League organizations, coaches, parents, and players themselves, to ensure the health and well-being of young baseball players.