Pitch Counts
by The USA Baseball Medical & Safety Advisory Committee
The American Sports Medicine Institute
Birmingham, AL
Note: These pitch counts and recovery times are recommendations of 28 orthopedic surgeons and coaches. There was discussion about the definition of rest. Should the pitchers be allowed to play other positions or pitch at home during the rest period. Some felt youth pitchers experience too many throws, while others felt that young pitchers do not throw enough to build up arm strength.
The American Sports Medicine Institute supports the belief that youth pitchers do not throw enough. So even though they should be given rest after a pitching outing, they should still continue to play catch at home with Dad or their friends.
What is too much? The young pitchers (or position players also) need to be told that if their arm hurts, he must tell his parents or coach immediately. Usually a little rest will take care of it. Continuing to throw or pitch when the arm hurts will potentially lead to a more serious injury that may be long lasting.
The other subjects discussed included pitching mechanics and strength training as important factors in lessening the risk of injury.
Observations and Comments by Survey Respondents:
The number of pitches thrown is more important than the number of innings
The maximum number of pitches allowed in one outing should increase with age
A pitcher should be limited to two appearances per week, spread apart
Compared to younger pitchers, older pitchers can throw more pitches given the same number of rest days
The participation in multiple leagues should be figured into rest and recovery
A child can start throwing a fastball at age 8, a change-up at age 10, and a curve ball at age 14
Older pitchers can start throwing a knuckleball at age 15, a slider at age 16, a forkball at age 16
Improper technique is a major factor in injury
Conditioning of the arm and the entire body can reduced injury
While the number of pitches should be limited, the younger pitcher should be encouraged to throw
When symptoms of arm discomfort or fatigue arise, longer periods of rest are recommended, but start a rehab program right away using the tubing exercises
Suggested Pitch Counts
Age |
Max. pitches/game |
Max. games/week |
Max. pitches/week |
Max. pitches/season |
8-10 |
52 |
2 |
75 |
1000 |
11-12 |
68 |
2 |
100 |
1000 |
13-14 |
76 |
2 |
125 |
1000 |
15-16 |
91 |
2 |
150 |
1500 |
17-18 |
106 |
2 |
175 |
2000 |