MLB Hall Of Famer John Smoltz Talks How Young Pitchers Can Avoid Arm Injuries

[@David-h4n9h]

Smoltzie one greatest all time. Never forget myself my brother saw him pitch in 1990 . Had seats at corner of Giants dugout very cheap those days the attendence was like 6500 . Awesome watching him warm up he could throw a baseball. Saw him when he was a relief pitcher at Turner field. He saved game against the Tigers. What great time we had thru 90' watch Braves play we knew with pitching staff we had got chance win ever night. Smoltz big part of that. Met him one time he was incredible signed a baseball for my son. He treasure that still. He still looks great glad he is doing well. Listen to him he tell u what not to do about young kids playing baseball

[@edwardbrand7824]

When I was playing little league 50 years ago we were not allowed to throw breaking pitches

[@brokl26]

There’s never been a rule against breaking balls in Little League. It’s just that smart coaches don’t let kids throw them. But if you watch the LLWS most of those young kids are throwing breaking pitches, even when their arms and legs are getting tired. As the legs get tired, less push and less core, kids make up for it by throwing with all arm. I coached my oldest boy on and off his whole youth baseball life. He was a pitcher, of course. But we used only two pitches. Fastball and changeup. Location and change of speed will win every time. When he played for other coaches, he refused to throw breaking pitches. He never has had any arm issues. We also had all of our players learn to pitch. Saved on arms. Plus who knows what kid will develop later than the rest. My son was only recruited by a couple JuCo teams but he didn’t want to do the college thing. He has a good job making decent money and plays softball with his friends and raises his kids with his awesome wife. He can’t wait to pass on his love of baseball to his two kids.