This blog is a part of a multi-blog series covering information detailed in Core Energy Belt’s first sponsored article in The Strength and Conditioning Journal titled “Proximal Chain Strength and Coordination Concepts to Maximize Injury Protection and Transfer of Training Effects for Competitive Baseball Players” and written by Ryan L. Crotin, Ximena R. Iniguez, and Erin M. Carlson.


In the world of professional Baseball, where the stakes are high and the competition is fierce, injury comes at a cost for not only the athletes but the organizations as a whole. However, a recent article published by the National Strength and Conditioning Association has brought to light a startling revelation that aims to improve these conditions. 

It unveils a formidable financial challenge that professional teams grapple with annually, a challenge that has remained largely hidden from public view. Astoundingly, professional organizations collectively allocate a staggering sum exceeding 11 million dollars each year in their relentless battle against the number of pitching injuries seen each season. This revelation is not merely about numbers; it is a call to address the profound impact of these injuries on individual player performance and the collective success of their respective teams.

Baseball player standing on mound with white pants, black Core Energy Belt and Black shirt in a pitcher stance.

To fully appreciate the magnitude of this financial commitment, one must consider the implications. Pitching injuries in baseball are not just a nuisance; they are a persistent and costly dilemma that affects both the physical well-being of players and the financial health of organizations. This substantial financial allocation highlights the dire need for a comprehensive strategy to combat the issue. It raises questions about the sustainability of such expenditures and the necessity of finding long-term solutions.

Over the years, the field of sports medicine has witnessed remarkable advancements, particularly in the domain of surgical interventions. These advancements have ushered in a new era marked by increased effectiveness and higher rates of successful returns to sport for injured players. Yet, despite these medical breakthroughs, a confounding issue continues to perplex the baseball community. Players, after undergoing surgical interventions to address their injuries, often experience a decline in their performance levels upon reintegrating into the fiercely competitive arena. This challenge compels us to explore the intricate dynamics of sports science more deeply, with a particular focus on the critical component of rotational coordination. 

Baseball player holding a baseball bat over his shoulder while wearing a white baseball uniform and red Core Energy Belt.

In the world of baseball, where throwing, pitching, and hitting are fundamental skills, mastery of rotational coordination is paramount for success. However, the relentless, unilateral rotation inherent to these actions poses a considerable risk. This constant rotation is one of the key contributors to overuse injuries, which have become a concern in the sport. Overuse injuries encompass a wide range of conditions, affecting proximal and spinal structures, often leading to functional impairments in the throwing arm and, consequently, a decline in overall performance.

In the pursuit of solutions and strategies to combat overuse injuries, innovative training approaches have come to the forefront. These strategies emphasize the co-activation of the athlete’s spinal musculature, a vital element in the coordination of reactive deceleration in the core that aids the harnessing of intra-abdominal pressure. The holistic approach to training encompasses a multifaceted framework, incorporating both fixed and yielding isometrics, with a particular emphasis on the upper extremities. This comprehensive training approach aims to enhance core stiffness and facilitate the seamless transfer of energy in the context of throwing or hitting scenarios.

Integral to this all-encompassing training regimen is the utilization of cutting-edge 3D motion capture evaluations. These highly sophisticated assessments enable the development of strength and coordination programs tailored to the unique biomechanical requirements of individual athletes. 

The importance of individualization cannot be overstated, as it allows athletes to fine-tune their training to address their specific needs, leading to greater levels of coactivation and proximal stiffness within their core musculature. This tailored approach lays the foundation for improved athletic performance and greater resilience against injuries.

The implementation of these training protocols is not a one-off endeavor but rather a year-round commitment. It spans the offseason, preseason, and in-season phases of an athlete's annual calendar. This comprehensive and continuous approach ensures that athletes are consistently honing their skills and reinforcing their bodies to withstand the relentless demands of professional baseball. It is a testament to the dedication required to excel in this highly competitive environment.

Furthermore, it is strongly recommended that all training exercises be strategically sequenced at the conclusion of lifting sessions. This specific sequencing is designed to mitigate proximal fatigue, which, if left unaddressed, may compromise the effectiveness of subsequent compound movements. The consequences of overlooking proximal fatigue are significant, potentially leading to core, diaphragmatic, and paraspinal fatigue, which can manifest as spin and intervertebral disc injuries due to compression loading. Therefore, the timing and sequencing of training exercises are of paramount importance to maintain the overall health and performance of athletes.

Baseball plater wearing white shoes, blue knee high socks, white pants and grey shirt, about to throw a baseball.

In light of these findings, the realm of sports science stands at a pivotal crossroads, calling for a shift toward innovative approaches that prioritize intra-abdominal pressure reactivity, stabilization, and motor control. The primary objective is abundantly clear: to make proximal stiffness and energy transfer more efficient, ultimately enhancing athlete performance and longevity within the natural competitive environment.

By wholeheartedly embracing these pioneering strategies and integrating them into the holistic development of baseball players, we can aspire to reduce the financial and performance toll exacted by pitching injuries on professional baseball organizations. 

This reduction in financial burden benefits the teams, allowing them to allocate resources more efficiently, and it fosters a healthier and more resilient generation of athletes, contributing to the longevity of their careers and the overall advancement of the sport. It is a comprehensive, multifaceted approach that not only addresses the financial challenges but also seeks to improve the quality of the game and the well-being of its players.