Whenever you are attending a sporting event where many people are moving from place to place, stand in the common walkways. Take up as much space as possible. Walk side by side instead of a single file. Don’t forget to stop and reverse directions. You might want to make sweeping hand and arm gestures so that you accidentally hit someone in the face as they are walking by. Remember, you are the only important person there.

I’ve been watching a lot of high school and college softball over the years. Mostly because my daughter plays. One thing I noticed is that teams will rely on one dominant pitcher and not develop a pitching staff. I know that pitchers are hard to obtain, and it’s a tough skill, but you are running the risk of long term injury for your pitcher. In the short term, you may have a setback when your team is facing a tough game and your star slinger is sidelined.

The idea that fastpitch softball pitching is easier on the arm and shoulder than overhand baseball pitching has been a widely held belief, especially among coaches and parents. This is largely because the underhanded windmill motion used in softball is often seen as more “natural.” However, recent research and long-term observational studies are challenging this narrative.

What the Evidence Says

1. Biomechanics: Not Necessarily Easier

• Underhand windmill pitching still places significant stress on the shoulder, elbow, and wrist.
• Studies using motion capture and force analysis (e.g., University of Michigan, ASMI) have shown that peak shoulder torque in softball pitchers is comparable to that experienced by baseball pitchers—just in different parts of the throwing cycle.
• Softball pitchers often throw hundreds of pitches in a weekend, especially at the travel or collegiate level. This volume can lead to overuse injuries just like in baseball.

2. Injury Patterns: Different, Not Less

• Softball pitchers tend to experience:
  • Biceps tendinopathy
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Labral tears
  • Lower back pain
  • Forearm/elbow pain (particularly with riseballs and curveballs)

Research by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine found that nearly 75% of collegiate softball pitchers reported a history of upper extremity pain that impacted performance.

3. Long-Term Impact: Studies Emerging

There is limited but growing longitudinal research on former collegiate softball pitchers:

• A 2020 study published in the Journal of Athletic Training looked at over 200 former NCAA Division I softball pitchers. It found:
  • Over 40% reported persistent shoulder or arm pain even years after their careers.
  • Many had a reduced range of motion or strength compared to their non-pitching arm.
  • Those who pitched more than 3 seasons in college had a significantly higher incidence of chronic shoulder pain.
• Anecdotally, many former high-level pitchers report issues requiring physical therapy or surgery, especially if they had high innings counts or poor mechanics in their developmental years.

Myths Debunked

Myth	Reality
Underhand pitching is “natural” and can be done indefinitely without harm	It’s repetitive overhead stress in disguise—especially at elite levels
Pitch counts don’t matter in softball	They absolutely do; overuse is a top predictor of injury
Girls are less prone to arm injuries	Not true—different sport, but same risk when training volume is high and rest is limited

Bottom Line

• Softball pitching is not inherently safer—it’s just different.
• High-volume pitching without proper mechanics, rest, and strength training can cause serious long-term arm and shoulder issues, even if pain isn’t felt immediately.
• Ongoing studies highlight a clear correlation between long-term overuse and injury risk in former collegiate pitchers.

Making the transition from Rec League to Travel/Club ball is never easy, but we can help you look the part with minimal effort. Just requires a few adjustments to your wardrobe and gear.

Team Hat and Shirt
Contact your team mom to get the link to your swag store. At a minimum, you need a sun hat

Viper Sunglasses – Hide your long stares, glares, and angry eyes.

Long Beard – patchy is best, helps hide the double chin

BP Jacket – help cover up the beer gut

Cargo Shorts – deep pockets for sunflower seeds and extra fluid for your electronic cigarette

Hey Dudes – Easy on easy off, just like a 1-2-3 up 3 down. Might fly off if you fight other parents or umpires.

Beer Gut – pairs nicely with the BP Jacket

Big Mouth for Bleacher Coaching

Rocker Chair that Squeaks – get comfortable near the live stream camera while the pistons squeak enough to drown out the bleacher coaching.

Yeti Tumbler (With Questionable Beverage)

Camera – Hang on the fence to record your child for later analysis and criticism.

This sports drink dispenser is on every golf hole; it’s free, but it tastes terrible. It does leave your mouth feeling really clean. They should really work on the delivery method; it’s hard to quench the thirst trying to get your mouth on it.

On a serious note, if you haven’t tried LMNT, you are missing out. If you are playing in the Dog Days of summer and start to feel sick from dehydration, these salty sticks will turn you right around.