How "Tommy John surgery" changed our national pastime

Summary

The video discusses the alarming rise in baseball injuries, particularly among young pitchers like Quincy Bright, who faces a torn ligament in his elbow. Highlighting the impact of increased pitch velocities and year-round play, Dr. Chris Ahmad reveals that over half of his Tommy John surgeries are performed on athletes under 18. John Smoltz calls for a cultural shift in youth baseball, advocating for reduced pitching intensity and mandatory breaks. Despite the challenges, the legacy of Tommy John surgery offers hope for young players determined to pursue their Major League dreams.

Takeaways

• ⚾ Quincy Bright, a 17-year-old pitcher, faces a torn ligament in his elbow, impacting his baseball aspirations.
• 😢 Quincy expresses deep emotional pain over his injury, feeling he has let down his family and himself.
• 📈 Over 35% of active MLB pitchers have undergone Tommy John surgery, a significant increase from previous years.
• 💔 The rise in injuries is linked to increased throwing velocity and year-round play among young athletes.
• 🩺 Tommy John surgery involves replacing the torn ligament with a tendon from the forearm, helping pitchers recover.
• 📊 Dr. Chris Ahmad notes that over 50% of his Tommy John surgeries are performed on patients under 18, indicating an epidemic of pitcher injuries.
• 🚨 John Smoltz advocates for a cultural shift in baseball to address the pressures on young athletes and reduce injury rates.
• ⛔ Little League should discourage excessive pitching velocity and promote seasonal breaks for young players.
• 🔥 The average fastball velocity in MLB has risen to 93.8 mph, increasing the risk of injuries among pitchers.
• 🌟 Despite setbacks, Quincy is determined to reach the major leagues, demonstrating resilience and commitment to his dream.

Q & A

What is the main issue facing baseball players as discussed in the transcript?

The transcript highlights an injury epidemic in baseball, particularly affecting young players, many of whom are experiencing elbow injuries.

Who is Quincy Bright and what happened to him?

Quincy Bright is a 17-year-old high school pitcher from Connecticut who discovered he had a torn ligament in his elbow, which derailed his aspirations for a major league career.

What emotional impact did the injury have on Quincy Bright?

Quincy expressed deep sadness and felt like he was letting down his family and the game he loves after learning about his injury.

What is Tommy John surgery and who is it named after?

Tommy John surgery is a procedure that replaces a damaged ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow with a tendon from the forearm. It is named after Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tommy John, who underwent the surgery in 1974.

How has the percentage of MLB pitchers undergoing Tommy John surgery changed in recent years?

Among active MLB pitchers, the percentage who have had Tommy John surgery increased from 27% in 2016 to 35%.

What factors contribute to the increasing number of injuries among young pitchers?

Factors include higher throwing velocities, increased volume of pitching year-round, and the pressure to perform at a young age.

What is Dr. Chris Ahmad's role in relation to Quincy Bright?

Dr. Chris Ahmad is Quincy Bright's surgeon and the head team physician for the New York Yankees, emphasizing the prevalence of Tommy John surgeries.

What does John Smoltz advocate for in youth baseball programs?

John Smoltz advocates for cultural changes in youth baseball, such as discouraging uncontrolled pitching velocity and encouraging seasonal breaks to protect young athletes' health.

What does the average fastball velocity in Major League Baseball indicate?

The average fastball velocity in MLB has increased to 93.8 mph, which correlates with the rise in injuries among pitchers.

What is Quincy Bright's outlook on his future in baseball despite his injury?

Despite his injury, Quincy remains optimistic and firmly believes he will play in the major leagues.