Why is there an 85 pitch rule in Little League?

Question

Congrats Georgia. Are they afraid of damaging kid's arm?

Answer 1

You've got it. This rule was implemented in hopes that young pitchers have fewer arm injuries and problems as a result. According to the studies cited by the League, there has been a rise in recent years in arm injuries and surgeries among LL pitchers.

Pitchers in LL ball are still growing and developing, and their bodies can't handle the strain that a grown adult can. Also, the pitch count is graduated so that older players can throw more pitches, since players get stronger with age and learn to throw in a controlled fashion without injuring themselves. See the source link for a good article on this new rule.

Answer 2

there have always been limitations on how much each player can pitch in little league. In fact similar rules are still found all the way through high school. The old rules however had to do with total innings pitched. The problem was that by limiting the number of innings a pitcher can pitch, you don't really limit how much he can pitch since there can be an unlimited number of pitches in a single inning. The new rule insures that players don't hurt themselves by throwing a few very long innings.

I would support a rule that allowed a few more pitches for tournament play. I think its a shame when you have a critical game deep in the playoffs and a pitcher throws 5 great innings but isn't allowed to finish the game. I would support a rule that increased the limits to about 100 pitches for tournament play and/or changed the limit back to 6 innings regardless of pitch count.

Answer 3

The old rule of limiting a pitcher's use by innings pitched was not an accurate measure. One kid could throw 70 pitches in six innings while another could throw 130 in six innings.

In the 1998 Little League World Series, Jenison, Mich., Tony Clausen threw 175 pitches in eight innings. Teammate Derek Stempin threw 51 pitches in only 2 1/3 innings.

Most Little League coaches have no clue when it comes to when to take a pitcher out, and most pitchers don't want to admit they are tired. A tired pitcher gets sloppy in his delivery and falls into poor mechanics, increasing the stress on his arm and shoulder.

From 1995 through 1999, the Alabama Sports Medical and Orthapaedic Center performed nine Tommy John surgeries on high school kids. That number ballooned to 143 surgeries from 2003 through 2006.

Answer 4

Yes -Pitchers 10 and under are limited to 75 pitches per game. Ages 11-12 get 85. It was set because overuse is what Little League Baseball is trying to curtail. After the medical community saw a substantial rise in shoulder and elbow injuries among young pitchers in recent years, Little League moved to set pitch counts.

Answer 5

the 85 pitch rule is good...we use a 4 inning rule in our local league...Ohio Hot Stove Baseball. Keeps kids arms from over-use and keeps an idiot coach from throwing the "stud" every night. I also favor a no curve-ball rule...ask any Major Leaguer and they will tell you the same thing...dont throw curves until 16...18 if you can help it. Let the boys develope fully...and they will be better for it in the end.

Answer 6

the 85 pitch count is right in line for the devolopement of these 12 yr olds. the teaching of the kids how to pitch properly and strech and strengthen the arms is the job of the coaches. i coach LL and have for a long time, i have yet to have one of my kids have arm troubles. remeber that the pitchers in the past used to pitch every or evry other day! heck dizzy dean pitched both games of a doubleheader. these guys now arnt developeing there arms properly.

Answer 7

Yes. Frankly, I am surprised it is as high as it is. Major leaguers are routinely pulled at 100 pitches even though they only throw a game every 5 days. These are 11-12 year olds. They shouldn't be allowed to throw over 60 pitches imo.

Answer 8

Yes.

They are just 12 and 13 year olds, the team cant afford for them to throw say 100 pitches.

Their arms are delicate as a kid and it's best you protect it for a while.

Answer 9

Yes. We keep kids too young from competing in gymnastics and diving because of cartilage not finished growing.
Considering the number of more adult baseball players with ruined arms, it seems a good thing to me.

Answer 10

yes. they can throw their arm right out.they are just 11 and 12 yr old. we should protect them.

And i think they should make a rule so that they can't pitch curve balls. it messes their arm up and have you noticed that almost no pitchers that played in the LLWS never make it to pros?? it's because that messes their arm up.