Potential Problems for young baseball players
Baseball is a sport that requires physical fitness and a lot of time to be put into it to achieve success. In recent years, with the rise of travel teams and clubs, there has been an increasing trend of playing baseball year-around for amateur players. While there are many benefits to playing the sport year-around, there are also many concerns that should be addressed.
The first concern is overuse injury. Baseball players, especially pitchers, are at risk of overuse injuries from throwing the ball repeatedly. This can lead to elbow or shoulder problems, such as tendinitis or even a torn ligament, which can end a player’s career. When players play baseball year-around, they are putting their bodies at risk for overuse injuries because they are playing the sport nonstop, with little time to rest and recover.
Another concern is burnout. Baseball players who play the sport year-around are more likely to experience burnout, which can lead to a loss of interest in the sport and even depression. This is especially true for young players who are still developing both physically and mentally. When players are constantly playing the sport, they may begin to feel overwhelmed and lose their passion for the game.
Furthermore, playing baseball year-around can also lead to a lack of focus on academics. Many amateur players are also students, and playing baseball year-around can take up a lot of their time and energy, leaving them with little time for schoolwork. This can result in a decline in academic performance, which can have long-term consequences for their future.
In conclusion, while playing baseball year-around can have many benefits, such as improved skills and increased opportunities for college scholarships, it is important to address the concerns of overuse injuries, burnout, and a lack of focus on academics. Players, coaches, and parents should work together to ensure that players are taking care of their bodies and minds, and that they are not sacrificing their academic futures for the sport.
References:
“The Dangers of Year-Round Baseball” by Dr. Eric Cressey. (https://www.ericcressey.com/the-dangers-of-year-round-baseball/)
“The Risks of Overuse Injuries in Baseball” by American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. (https://www.sportsmed.org/patient-resources/sports-injury-prevention/baseball-injury-prevention/overuse-injuries-baseball/)
“The Benefits and Risks of Year-Round Baseball” by USA Baseball. (https://www.usabaseball.com/news/the-benefits-and-risks-of-year-round-baseball)