Tommy John surgery has become synonymous with pitching, with 35% of active MLB pitchers having undergone the procedure. But the surgery, which replaces a torn ligament in the elbow, has become more common than ever, particularly amongst young players, raising concerns about overuse and a culture of pursuing velocity at all costs.

The Rise of Tommy John Surgery

Tommy John surgery, a procedure named after the former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher who pioneered the operation, involves replacing a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow with a tendon from the forearm. The surgery has become increasingly prevalent in baseball, especially at the professional level, as fastball velocities have risen dramatically. The average fastball in MLB is now 93.8 mph, up from 91.8 mph just 15 years ago.

Overuse and High Velocity

Dr. Chris Ahmad, a leading sports medicine specialist who performs Tommy John surgery on numerous athletes, attributes the increasing frequency of the procedure to a combination of overuse and high velocity pitching. “The harder you throw, the higher your velocity, the more force on your ligament,” he says. Young players are now pitching year-round, putting significant stress on their elbows, and the pressure to throw harder is starting from a younger age.

The Need for a Cultural Shift

Hall of Famer John Smoltz, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2008, sees the surge in pitcher injuries as an “epidemic.” He emphasizes the importance of a cultural shift in baseball to discourage the pursuit of uncontrolled velocity at the expense of arm health.

Encouraging Healthy Development

Smoltz advocates for changes at the youth level, such as discouraging excessive throwing intensity and encouraging breaks from baseball during the off-season. “When I see a young man just throwing everything he has at 13, he’s not giving himself the best chance to pitch in high school,” he says.

Impact on Young Athletes

For athletes like Quincy Bright, who experienced a torn UCL at age 16, Tommy John surgery offers a chance to regain their pitching abilities and pursue their major league dreams. However, the increasing reliance on the procedure highlights the potential risks associated with a culture that prioritizes high velocity and ignores the importance of healthy arm development.

Tommy John Surgery – A Necessary Evil?

While Tommy John surgery can help athletes regain their pitching abilities, it remains a major surgical procedure with associated risks and recovery periods. There’s growing concern that the increased prevalence of the procedure might be a sign of a flawed system that pushes athletes to their limits before their bodies are fully developed.

Takeaway Points

• Tommy John surgery has become increasingly common in baseball, especially among young players.
• Increased fastball velocity and year-round playing are contributing factors to the rise in UCL tears.
• Experts call for a cultural shift in baseball to emphasize healthy arm development and discourage the pursuit of velocity at all costs.
• While Tommy John surgery offers athletes a chance to recover from serious injuries, it raises concerns about overuse and the long-term health implications of pushing athletes to their limits.