MLB: Mark Prior Retires

[Rabbuk]

Yeah, anecdotal evidence is really cause for calling innings/pitch limits a damn joke.

We don't need to wear helmets in football either because people didn't sometime.

 

[tm3308]

Respectable fastpitch managers also limit the throws of their softball pitchers too. Other than being underhand, windmill mechanics are about the same as overhand mechanics, and the potential for damage to the shoulder from overuse is quite high.

There's always potential for damage, especially when you throw as much as most softball pitchers. But from what I've read, you don't see a whole lot of Tommy John surgeries or rotator cuff/labrum tears in softball. The biceps take on the brunt of the stress for softball pitchers, rather than the shoulder and elbow muscles/ligaments. Potential for injury is present in any sport, no matter what you're doing. But softball pitchers, I would think, are at much less risk of severe injury than are baseball pitchers.

 

[tm3308]

I think it depends on the player. Most pitchers need limits, but there are exceptions to the rules. I think back to the 60's when you pitched entire games with little relief. Those guys truly were iron men.

This is generally true. I'm sure there are some guys now who could routinely log innings like that and still be effective. James Shields immediately springs to mind.

 

[cmjh10]

Who?