Pitchers and overuse

[HoosierCoach]

Thats awful draconian. Surgical implants? How about a more humane approach: Make all pitchers wear a 'special' unremovable collar that has a built-in accelerometer that records # of times she performs a pitch. When it exceeds the magic number, the 'invisible fence' installed around the pitchers circle (along with the shock device in the aforementioned collar ) could keep her out.

[GIMNEPIWO]

Thats awful draconian. Surgical implants? How about a more humane approach: Make all pitchers wear a 'special' unremovable collar that has a built-in accelerometer that records # of times she performs a pitch. When it exceeds the magic number, the 'invisible fence' installed around the pitchers circle (along with the shock device in the aforementioned collar ) could keep her out.

It could work ... sort of like the ankle bracelet convicted felons have to wear when they are on home confinment ...

[pdj]

Overuse can be a real problem. From a pitcher safety view, I would prefer educated pitchers and parents instead of a blanket rule imposing a limit on pitches or innings. If a limit has to be imposed please let it be total pitch count. (Should we also count full speed warmup pitches?)

Local league or friendly tournament rules that are intended to develop more pitching is another matter. If you do not like their rules then, don't play there.

All pitchers do not use the same mechanics. I see some young pitchers that just plain make my shoulder hurt, even in warmups. 30 years ago a smart instructor brought me back from the bad shoulder scrap heap.

What about the catcher? That is a tough position, especially during a Texas Summer. What about the player that uses a hot bat and hits the polycore ball so hard? Don't we not also need to protect the defensive players? Do we restrict sliding?

Educated adults with some common sense and realistic expectations are a few qualities that I would seek in my child's coaches.