Why are there so many baseball pitching injuries during spring training and at the beginning of the season? When is the right age for a pitcher to learn the curveball? Is there any risk in converting a position player to the pitching mound? Baseball pitching motion troubleshooter Angel Borrelli discusses these topics and more during Season 4’s inaugural episode of Baseball Pitching: The Fix.
Topics covered:
Spring Training Pitching Injuries
Over 40 pitchers suffered arm ailments in MLB spring training camps (at least, that’s by my unofficial count — see the list of pitchers injured here). Why were there so many, and why ARE there so many when pitchers start throwing again after the offseason break? What can pitchers — of all ages, at all levels — do to prevent getting injured at the beginning of workouts? Angel Borrelli provides answers and solutions.
Converting Position Players To Pitchers
One of the wounded pitchers this year hasn’t been a pitcher for very long. Jordan Schafer — who spent most of his pro career as an outfielder — suffered a UCL tear while pitching in the St. Louis Cardinals’ camp. Schafer’s unfortunate injury is a prime example of the risk involved in converting position players to the pitching mound. Angel explains why the transition can be dangerous, why some players should not be converted, and why pitchers should specialize in pitching at an early age.
All About the Curveball
In every episode of Season 4, we will be providing science-based facts and tips for coaches — call it “Science On the Bump.” The first topic we tackle is the curveball. Utilizing her background in kinesiology and body movement, Angel explains how the curveball is thrown, how it can be taught, and what age a pitcher should start learning to throw it. You may be surprised to find out the answers.
Hope you enjoy listening to the first episode of Season 4, and hope you learn something. If you did, please pass along the podcast to your fellow pitchers, coaches, and parents. And, if you listen to the show on iTunes, please consider leaving a review and/or rating the show (with 5 stars, we hope!).
Have a question you’d like answered on a future episode? Tweet it to @fixingpitchers on Twitter or send a message on the Fixing Pitchers Facebook page.