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Baseball is getting better, maybe
The information on this page is excerpted from a few year's worth of NCAA injury reports. The risk in baseball is certainly less than in some other sports, but the nature of the most common injuries, as noted below, is something every coach - and parent - should be aware of. Remember this is the NCAA - college age injuries. Review the points here to understand the different risks to younger players.
[Intro comment and chart by WebBall]
NCAA Injury Reports
1996
- Baseball showed practice (2.4) and game (5.6) injury rates consistent with 11-year averages.
- Non-contact injuries, primarily associated with throwing, were the most common.
- Approximately one-third of the reported injuries restricted participation for seven days or more.
1997-98
- Practice (2.4) and game (5.6) injury rates were similar to the 13-year averages for baseball.
- The greatest number of game injuries occurred during the middle innings (four through six).
- Shoulders, elbows and the upper leg were the top three body parts injured and accounted for 39 percent of the reported injuries in baseball.
- Strains, which have been the most common injury to players for the past 13 years, continue to be a significant issue for ballplayers, accounting for 32 percent of all reported injuries.
- Thirty-six percent of all injuries restricted participation for seven days or more.
2001
- Baseball showed practice (2.0) and game (6.7) injury rates similar to the 15-year average for the sport.
- Assuming 10 game participants, the game rate equates to one injury every 15 games.
- IN PRACTICE: Shoulder, elbow, and ankle injuries were the top three body parts injured during practices, accounting for 48 percent of the reported injuries.
- IN GAMES: The shoulder, upper leg and elbow accounted for 41 percent of the reported injuries in game competition.
- Strains, sprains and contusions were the top types of injuries in games.
- Thirty-seven percent of baseball game injuries restricted participation for seven days or more, while 8 percent resulted in surgery.
- Base runners are the highest position at risk for injury during games, accounting for 27 percent of all injuries.
- Another 9 percent of reported injuries occurred from impact with a batted ball, including a number that were the result of fouled pitches striking the catcher or batter.
2003
- Baseball showed practice (1.7) injury rates and game (5.3) injury rates both slightly lower than the 18-year averages for the sport.
- Assuming 10 game participants, the game rate equates to one injury every 19 games in the sport.
- IN PRACTICE: The shoulder, elbow and upper leg were the most common body parts injured in practice, accounting for 44 percent of reported injuries.
- IN GAMES: The shoulder, upper leg and elbow were the top injuries in games, accounting for 39 percent of reported injuries.
- Strains, contusions and sprains were the top three practice and game injuries.
- Forty-six percent of game injuries resulted in time loss of seven days or more, while 8 percent resulted in surgery.
- In games, pitching (17 percent) and non-contact (18 percent) accounted for the majority of injuries.
2004
- Baseball showed practice-injury rates (1.7) and game-injury rates (5.6) both slightly lower than the 19-year averages for the sport.
- Assuming 10 game participants, the game rate equates to one injury every 18 games.
- IN PRACTICE: The shoulder, elbow and upper leg were the most common body parts injured in practice, accounting for 44 percent of reported injuries.
- IN GAMES: The shoulder, upper leg and elbow were the top injuries in games, accounting for 38 percent of reported injuries.
- Strains, contusions and sprains were the top three types of reported injuries.
- Forty percent of game injuries resulted in time loss of seven days or more, while 9 percent resulted in surgery.
- In games, non-throwing, non-contact (26 percent), pitching (13 percent) and baserunning (contact with ground) (13 percent) accounted for the majority of reported injuries.
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