Sport All Sports

As a coach it is our responsibility to teach sports safety. Many experts say it is the number one responsibility of any good coach or parent. Players need to learn to practice good safety in every sport. Baseball and softball injuries are preventable. Baseball and softball is among the most popular sport in the United States. In the United States there are over 6 million kids from the ages under 14 playing organized baseball and softball. There are three times that playing the game recreationally. Last year there were over 150,000 players treated in hospital emergency rooms for baseball and softball related injuries.

Baseball pitching machines are very safe products to use. The key is to use them properly. I have been to many of practices and watch untrained coaches and players use equipment and get hurt. Here are 5 easy ways to prevent getting hurt when operating a pitching machine.

1. Make sure that an adult is always presentwhile at the batting cages. There is something to be said about good adult supervision. We as adults are supposed to be older and wiser. We can all remember what it was like to be young. As children we feared nothing. Coaches and parents look for hidden dangers. If you see something, point it out to the player. It is always better to be prepared.

2. Batting helmets are a must. Batting helmets are a mandatory product to help prevent or. Chin straps are good to keep the helmet in place. Face guards will also help eliminate facial injuries.

3. Make sure the balls are dry in the pitching machine. Balls will absorb moisture from many sources and become dangerous. Wild pitches are soon to follow. Make sure that the pitching machine and baseballs are dry before use. A great idea is to use pitching machine baseballs. They are designed not to absorb moisture. The pitching machine baseballs will give a batter a consistent pitch every time.

4. Make sure a player uses common sense. Have the player focused. Teach the player on what to do if the ball is coming at them. Teach the player how to move properly out of the way of a wild pitch.

5. Have a plan. Act quickly if an injury occurs. Have a properly stocked first aid kit and know what to do in case of an emergency.

I have been to a pregame and witness this happen. I was watching an away game and a young athlete was getting loose in a batting cage, not paying attention and he got hit in the side of the head. I know that it could have been prevented if only proper instruction would have been taken. No matter what the age of the athlete is, stay out of the hospital emergency room and stay on the diamond. Always pitch safety first.