Is Throwing A Curveball Potentially Harmful?

If you ever tried to throw a curveball during a game, you know that it is physically easier to throw a fastball rather than a curveball. Concerns about possible injuries from excessively throwing a curveball  always lurk in a pitcher’s mind as the wrist and elbow snap downwards each and every time the pitch is thrown. Has this study proven that a curveball is as harmless to a players elbow and shoulder as a fastball?

A biomechanical comparison  of forces generated in the curveball, fastball, and change-up pitches has been undertaken by S. Dun et al (Am J Sports Medicine. 2008;36[4]:686-692) to determine the risks of curveball pitches to youthful elbows. There has been a belief that the curveball pitch is harmful, especially to the immature ulnar collateral ligament, more so than, for example, the fastball.

The authors concluded that the curveball is not potentially more harmful to the young elbow than the fastball and that the number of pitches thrown carries a stronger risk than the nature of the pitch.

 

One Point On ACT Keeps 2008 Recruit Out of MLB

The 2008 recruiting class has suffered its first two academic casualties, and they are Brandon Lewis and Kerry Murphy.

Brandon Lewis will be headed to Hargrave after coming up one point short on his ACT. Actually, Lewis had a higher ACT score, but it was not accepted by the NCAA Clearinghouse because apparently they judged the jump from the previous score to be too high, and apparently he had no reason for it like the jump for Alonzo Lawrence. It is certainly disappointing that the three-star defensive end from Pleasant Grove will not enroll this Fall, but he looks to be in pretty good academic shape for 2009, and he’s taking the news quite well.

Lewis was quoted as saying: I am still committed to Alabama and plan on coming back in the fall of 2009. This isn’t a bad thing because I am treating it as a redshirt year so I will get bigger and stronger. My grades were okay. I just barely missed the test score so I will be good to go for next year.”

The good news is that Lewis  is taking it well, and honestly it seems he should be able to make it for the 2009 season.  — Article from http://www.rollbamaroll.com/2008/5/27/540697/2008-recruiting-class-suff