Baseball Coaches Research Articles

From Ground Up: Increasing Pitching Velocity through Lower-Limb Training

Pitching velocity is a crucial factor in effective baseball pitching performance. Upper-body-focused training is prevalent in baseball training to increase pitching velocity. However, significant pitchers, including youth league baseball players, suffer from upper body injuries due to the heavy training load of the throwing arm. This article emphasizes lower-body training to increase baseball pitching velocity. Three step-by-step recommended activities, with accompanying research support, include power training in the lower limbs, exploring and maintaining optimized stride length, and timing and mechanics of pitching sequences. The suggested lower body focused training will be beneficial in increasing pitching velocity and reducing the risk of injuries in the throwing arm. These recommendations are crucial for young baseball players, youth baseball coaches, strength coaches, and parents who aim to improve pitching performance while addressing concerns about overtraining and injury prevention.

Countermovement Jump and Momentum Generation Associations to Fastball Velocity Performance Among Division I Collegiate Pitchers.

Sakurai, M, Qiao, M, Szymanski, DJ, and Crotin, RL. Countermovement jump and momentum generation associations to fastball velocity performance among Division I collegiate pitchers. J Strength Cond Res 38(7): 1288-1294, 2024-The current study explored the relationships between countermovement jump (CMJ) profiles and baseball pitching performance. Nineteen Division I collegiate pitchers performed in-laboratory pitching and bilateral CMJs. Whole-body kinematics and ground reaction force were collected during both pitching and CMJ evaluations. Statistically significant correlations of concentric impulse and peak power in the CMJ test with fastball velocity were observed (r = 0.71 and 0.68). Concentric impulse in CMJ also showed a statistically significant correlation with linear momentum in the anterior-posterior direction during pitching (r = 0.68). Lean body mass and body mass showed statistically significant correlations with both of the 2 linear momentums during pitching (r = 0.71∼0.83), and concentric impulse in CMJ (r = 0.71 and 0.81). Pelvis and trunk pitching mechanics did not correlate with any of the CMJ variables at the statistically significant level, whereas the direction of the correlations varied (|r| < 0.45). Assessment of a baseball pitcher's CMJ should focus on concentric impulse and peak power because only these showed meaningful relationships with fastball velocity or momentum generation during pitching. An increase in lean body mass is also suggested to be able to generate more impulse and momentum. Baseball coaches, strength coaches, and clinicians are encouraged to include lower-body explosive training to enhance the force and power output capacity of baseball pitchers.

The Effect of Functional Training Programs to Improve Distance Hitting for Baseball Players in University

Background and Aim: In the field of baseball, the attacking ability of baseball players is mainly reflected in their hitting techniques, including hitting distance and swinging speed. At present, the level of domestic university baseball teams is still very low. From the data of hitting percentage, long hit percentage, and home run, it can be seen that the main problem is reflected in the insufficient ability to hit from a long distance. Therefore, it is difficult to have more multiple and home runs in the game, resulting in the team being unable to score. These shortcomings will hurt the overall athletic ability of the team. This study aims to address this issue by focusing on developing and implementing training programs specifically designed for the effect of functional training programs to improve distance hitting for baseball, to significantly improve the long-range hitting ability and swing speed of baseball players. Materials and Methods: This study is an experimental study. The research subjects are 20 baseball majors (18-22 years old) from Guangzhou Sports College in Guangdong Province, including 6 professional baseball coaches, 1 baseball instructor from a professional sports college, and 3 professors in the field of sports training, totaling 10 experts. This study used focus groups to develop and improve training plans through expert interviews and experimental analysis, with an IOC value of 0.914. This study mainly used analysis of variance to analyze the results before, 4 weeks after testing, and after testing. Result: After specialized functional training, the use of the T-seat hitting distance test and swing speed test effectively improved the long-distance hitting ability and swing speed of baseball players, and improved their long-distance hitting ability and swing speed, which helped to improve their athletic level and achieve better game results. Conclusion: After 8 weeks of baseball versatility training, 20 martial arts athletes underwent further tests on their long-range hitting ability and swing speed. This study analyzed the differences and their effects on long-range hitting ability and swing speed before and after training. The comparison before and after training fully proves that functional training in baseball can effectively improve the long-range hitting ability and swing speed of baseball players.

An examination of pre-activity and post-activity training practices of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and Division III baseball coaches

Baseball includes complex multi-joint and multi-planar activities involving a majority of the musculature of the body. Research pertaining to training practices including pre-activity and post-activity stretching continues to evolve along with related sport science recommendations. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the pre-activity and post-activity warm-up, stretching, and training practices of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I and Division III baseball coaches. A total of 686 questionnaires were distributed via email to head collegiate baseball coaches from NCAA Division I and III universities. The questionnaire was designed to gather demographic, professional, and educational information, as well as specific pre-activity and post-activity stretching usage by the coaches. The responses were examined by computing frequency counts and means where applicable. For the statistical analysis, both SPSS version 27.0 and JMP version 13.0 software packages were utilized. Pearson's Chi-squared tests were run where applicable. Results indicated just over 77% of coaches in the present study affirmed the importance of a pre-activity dynamic warmup. When comparing coaching specific certification to pre-activity flexibility practices, it is clear not all coaches comply with suggested pre-activity flexibility recommendations. This study indicates it is important for baseball coaches to re-evaluate their own practices, perhaps cross-checking them with practices of their peers and staying current with ongoing research.

Knowledge and Perceptions of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries in Baseball Players: A Survey of NCAA Head Baseball Coaches.

There is growing concern among sports medicine professionals regarding the increasing prevalence of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) surgery in baseball players. At this time, it is unclear whether collegiate head baseball coaches possess adequate knowledge of UCL injuries. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and perceptions of UCL injury among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) head baseball coaches. It was hypothesized that NCAA head baseball coaches would demonstrate misconceptions and knowledge disparities regarding UCL injury. Cross-sectional study. An online 35-question survey was designed to assess NCAA head baseball coaches' knowledge of UCL injury. The survey included questions related to participant characteristics, UCL injury, biometric performance and pitching variables, throwing fatigue, surgical variables/performance outcomes, and collegiate athlete recruitment. A total of 788 NCAA head baseball coaches were asked to participate. Responses were analyzed and reported using descriptive statistics where appropriate. Statistical comparisons and contrasts were made using chi-square and Fisher exact tests. A total of 103 NCAA head baseball coaches participated in the survey, representing a 13.1% response rate. Only 31% of respondents could correctly identify all UCL injury symptoms, and 93% recommended <8 weeks off from overhead throwing during the off-season. Previous elbow injury observation was associated with UCL symptom identification (χ2 = 10.614; P = .005). Regular access to an athletic trainer (P = .015) and regular access to a strength and conditioning coach (P = .004) were both associated with NCAA division status, with Division I programs having the most access. Neither sports medicine physician (P = .656) nor athletic trainer (P = .611) access was associated with the geographic location of the baseball program; however, strength and conditioning coach access was associated with geographic location (χ2 = 6.696; P = .010). This study demonstrates that limited UCL injury knowledge and various misconceptions exist among NCAA baseball head coaches. The majority of responding coaches recommended an amount of time off from overhead throwing during the off-season that may be inadequate and were unable to identify all symptoms associated with UCL injury, representing the most concerning findings of the present study.

Globalization or Glocalization? The Emerging Scholarship on Sport Match-Fixing in Light of Asian Context

This article aims to contribute to the body of knowledge in sport social science and to serve as a basis for refining the recent Asian scholarship related to sports corruption in general and match-fixing studies in particular. The main goal of this study is to synthesize the relevant evidence by reviewing the literature on documentary materials and conducting interviews with academics, media journalists, baseball coaches, and former professional baseball players. First, the results indicate that the emerging theoretical/conceptual and methodological frameworks of Asian match-fixing studies have been identified. Second, the relevant actors’ roles in their embedded structures entail that match-fixing can be better understood from different perspectives, which shape corrupted contexts. Third, this study concludes by providing the implications of its examination of the nuances of match-fixing; it articulates how Asian match-fixing cases shed light on the relevant conceptual implications and practical applications regarding the effect of different cultures and the associated social network relationships.

A Field-expedient Arm Care Screening Tool Can Identify Musculoskeletal Risk Factors in Baseball Players.

Preseason movement screening can identify modifiable risk factors, deterioration of function, and potential for injury in baseball players. Limited resources and time prevent high school baseball coaches from performing movement screens on their players. The arm care screen (ACS) will be highly sensitive to detecting musculoskeletal risk factors. Cross-sectional. Level 3. A total of 150 baseball players were independently scored on the ACS electronically by reviewing a video recording of each player's screening performance. Discriminability of the ACS was determined with a 2 × 2 contingency table dichotomizing musculoskeletal risk factors as present or absent based on a predetermined cutoff value and those who passed or failed the corresponding ACS subtest. High sensitivity was observed on the reciprocal shoulder mobility (0.89; 95% CI 0.81-0.94), 90/90 total body rotation (0.86; 95% CI 0.79-0.92), and lower body diagonal reach (0.85; 95% CI 0.78-0.91) tests of the ACS suggesting sufficient ability to identify musculoskeletal impairments and risk factors. The ACS is a simplistic screening tool that the coach can administer to discriminate between youth, high school, and college-level baseball players who possess musculoskeletal risk factors. The ACS subtests demonstrated high sensitivity for correctly identifying musculoskeletal risk factors common in baseball players and can be useful as a screening tool for baseball coaches developing arm care exercise programs. A field-expedient screen could provide coaches the ability to identify musculoskeletal risk factors that need to be addressed to minimize injury risk factors in a time-efficient manner.

A Qualitative Exploration of Successful High School Baseball Coaches' Silence During Practice

For athletic coaches, there are many methods to coach athletes. One method that may not be as common, or even thought of as coaching, is silence. Silence is when the coach does not speak but is thinking of specific team, player, and competitor items. The purpose of this study was to interview consistently successful high school baseball coaches with an emphasis on their silence as a coaching behavior. Five successful high school baseball coaches in the southeastern United States were interviewed. Generally, it was found baseball coaches were strategizing, or thinking of baseball-related items while being silent during practice. The results from this study are a valuable addition to the literature, showing that coaching is not only about talking or yelling but also about a coach’s silence, a powerful form of coaching.

Survey with Innovations to Increase Response Rate Reveals Low Compliance with Guidelines among Youth Baseball Coaches - Including a Survey of Differences between Cities.

BackgroundCompliance rates of youth baseball team coaches with guidelines regarding pitch count limits have been reported, but response rates from previous surveys have not been high, which may introduce substantial non-response bias. In addition, differences between cities in guideline compliance rates have remained unclear.PurposeThe aim of the present study was to obtain data on coach compliance with guidelines for pitch count limits with a high survey response rate. Secondary aims were to determine compliance with guidelines other than pitch count limits, and to determine whether differences in compliance exists between cities.MethodsA questionnaire was developed for coaches of youth baseball teams in Gunma to assess knowledge of and compliance with the Japan Softball Baseball Association’s recommendations for preventing injuries. In the preparation, distribution, and collection of the questionnaire, four strategies were applied to increase the response rate. The questionnaire surveyed basic descriptive information about the team and coach and coaches compliance with guidelines. Survey items were compared between compliant and non-compliant groups for pitch count limits, and by city.ResultsValid responses to the questionnaire were obtained from coaches of 58 of 62 teams surveyed for a response rate of 93.5%. Despite the fact that almost all coaches were aware of the recommendations regarding pitch count limits and felt these limits were needed, only 15.5% were compliant. For guidelines other than the pitch count limits, the recommended values were exceeded for practice time on holidays. Differences between cities were evident in the compliance rate with the pitch count limit, but no differences between cities in other items were observed.ConclusionThe results of this research revealed that compliance with pitch count limits in this sample of youth baseball coaches was much lower than previously reported. Differences between cities were identified in rates of compliance with pitch count limits. These results suggest a need to increase compliance rates with guidelines for pitch count limits and to address differences between cities.Level of EvidenceCross-sectional survey study, 3b

The Influence of Shoe and Cleat Type on Lower Extremity Muscle Activation in Youth Baseball Pitchers

Background: Baseball pitching is a dynamic movement where the lower extremities generate and sequentially transfer energy to the upper extremities to maximize ball velocity. The need for lower body muscular strength to produce adequate push-off and landing forces has been documented; however, the influence footwear and surface inclination has on muscle activation remains unknown. Objectives: Determine how pitching in molded cleats and turf shoes from a pitching mound and flat ground affects stride-leg muscle activation in youth baseball pitchers while determining percent activation during each pitching phase. Methods: Cross – sectional study analyzing mean muscle activity and percent activation of the vastus medialis, semitendinosus, tibialis anterior, and medial gastrocnemius on the stride-leg of 11 youth baseball pitchers when pitching fastballs. Results: Footwear did not significantly alter vastus medialis or semitendinosus muscle activation (P 0.05). The turf shoe x pitching mound interaction elicited significantly (P 0.05) greater mean muscle activity in the medial gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior from stride foot contact to maximum glenohumeral internal rotation. Molded cleats produced greater activation levels in the tibialis anterior on flat ground from stride foot contact (0.374 ± 0.176 mV) to ball release (0.469 ± 0.150 mV). Conclusion: Findings suggest footwear significantly alters the activity level of the ankle stabilizing musculature. Youth baseball pitchers and coaches should be cognizant of what footwear is worn on a pitching surface. Maximal activation of the tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius can ensure the stride leg is adequately stabilized to absorb the momentum generated by trail leg.

Study of the structure of the psychological difficulties of high school baseball coaches in Japan

Study of the structure of the psychological difficulties of high school baseball coaches in Japan

The Intra- and Inter-rater Reliability of an Arm Care Screening Tool in High School Baseball Coaches.

BackgroundPreseason movement screening can identify modifiable risk factors, deterioration of function, and potential for injury in baseball players. Limited resources and time intensive testing procedures prevent high school coaches from accurately performing frequent movement screens on their players.PurposeTo establish the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of a novel arm care screening tool based on the concepts of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) and Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA™) in high school coaches.Study DesignMethodological intra- and inter-rater reliability studyMethodsThirty-one male high school baseball players (15.9 years ± 1.06) were independently scored on the Arm Care Screen (ACS) by three examiners (two coaches, one physical therapist) in real-time and again seven days later by reviewing video recordings of each players’ initial screening performance. Results from each examiner were compared within and between raters using Cohen’s kappa and percent absolute agreement.ResultsSubstantial to excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were established among all raters for each component of the ACS. The mean Cohen’s kappa coefficient for intra-rater reliability was 0.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.95) and percent absolute agreement ranged from 0.82-0.94 among all raters. Inter-rater reliability demonstrated a mean Cohen’s kappa value of 0.89 (95% confidence interval, 0.77-0.99) while percent absolute agreement between raters ranged from 0.81-1.00. Intra- and inter-rater reliability did not differ between raters with various movement screening experience (p>0.05).ConclusionsHigh school baseball coaches with limited experience screening movement can reliably score all three components of the ACS in less than three minutes with minimal training.Level of EvidenceLevel 3, Reliability study

A Nation-Wide Survey of High School Baseball Coaches' Perceptions Indicates their Arm Care Programs Play a Role in Injury Prevention.

BackgroundArm care programs consisting of upper extremity strengthening and stretching have been recommended for injury prevention for pitchers of all ages. There has been no investigation into high school baseball coaches’ usage and perceptions of arm care programs to mitigate physical impairments associated with injuries in baseball players.Hypothesis/PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the current usage of arm care programs by high school baseball coaches. The primary objective was to determine if coaches use group-based or individualized arm care programs. The secondary objective sought to determine if the use of arm care programs is influenced by coaches’ age, education, and experience level. Finally, this study explored the potential barriers to arm care implementation and high school baseball coaches’ current awareness and beliefs of injury prevention.Study DesignDescriptive cross-sectional surveyMethodsA 29-item online survey was emailed to 18,500 high school baseball coaches throughout the United States. Data were collected for three months, and the response rate was 3.7%.ResultsA total of 87.3% (n=571/654) of responding coaches use arm care programs with their players. Of coaches performing arm care, only 18.5% of 571 individualize their arm care exercises based on specific player needs. However, older and more experienced coaches are more likely to individualize their programs. Among the 12.7% (n=83/654) of coaches who do not use arm care programs, the two most commonly cited reasons for not implementing arm care were lack of observed benefit (41%) and insufficient staff (31%). Although 42% of 654 coaches recognized reduced shoulder mobility as a major contributor to injury, risk factors such as throwing with a fatigued arm, previous injury history, and throwing > 8 months per year were not consistently identified as primary risk factors.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that the majority high school baseball coaches implement group-based arm care exercise programs to prevent injury. Lack of confidence in the effectiveness and staffing limitations were major barriers to implementation of arm care programming. However, the responding coaches exhibited inconsistent risk factor awareness and dated injury prevention beliefs. Therefore, better educational collaboration between rehabilitation professionals and high school coaches regarding injury risk factors and preventative strategies is warranted.Level of EvidenceLevel 3

Biomechanical effects of foot placement during pitching

ABSTRACT Baseball coaches often focus on the landing position of a pitcher’s front foot as a key aspect of mechanics. Furthermore, controversy persists regarding positioning the rear foot on the first base or third base end of the rubber. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of rear and front foot placement on pitching biomechanics. Our hypotheses were that there would be significant kinematic and kinetic differences associated with foot placement. This was a retrospective review including 144 healthy right-handed adult baseball pitchers divided into groups based on their rear and front foot placements: first base open (1B-Open), first base closed (1B-Closed), third base open (3B-Open), and third base closed (3B-Closed). Two-way ANOVAs detected no statistically significant main effects for kinetic variables but several for kinematic variables. Open pitchers had less shoulder abduction at the time of ball release and greater maximum shoulder internal rotation velocity in comparison with closed pitchers. They also had less forearm pronation at the time of ball release and greater maximum elbow extension velocity. Additional statistically significant results were found; however, low effect sizes may lessen the clinical significance of many of the results.

Current Concepts in Arm Care Exercise Programs and Injury Risk Reduction in Adolescent Baseball Players: A Clinical Review.

Awareness of important injury risk factors associated with excessive pitching volume has been highlighted in the literature, but injury rates remain high. Shoulder pain in baseball players is associated with various changes in musculoskeletal movements, which presents as measurable impairments throughout the kinetic chain. Baseball coaches and rehabilitation professionals have utilized exercise programs targeting strength and flexibility of the throwing arm to prevent injuries. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of arm care exercise programs in reducing upper extremity injury rates in adolescent baseball players. A search of electronic databases, including CINAHL with full text, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus was conducted to retrieve available articles in English from the years 2010 through 2020. The search terms injury prevention, exercise, and adolescent baseball were used. Clinical review. Level 4. Improving shoulder internal rotation range of motion by stretching the posterior shoulder muscles daily was associated with a 36% risk reduction of shoulder and elbow injuries. Group-based arm care exercise programs that target multiple musculoskeletal impairments demonstrated an approximately 50% reduced risk of elbow injury. For adolescent baseball players, arm care injury prevention programs focusing on important musculoskeletal impairments are effective at reducing injury incidence rates. Multimodal injury prevention programs that improve multiple musculoskeletal impairments are more comprehensive and may result in better injury reduction than programs focusing on a singular impairment.

Multiple Criteria Decision-Making: A Novel Applications of Network DEA Model

Do retired professional baseball players become effective coaches? Are Taiwanese coaches up to the job of coaching in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL)? What are the key coaching factors affecting a CPBL team’s performance in the regular-season? In this study, we examine the key coaching factors affecting the efficiency of CPBL teams from the perspective of efficiency and productivity, using network data envelopment analysis, truncated regression analysis, and bootstrapping methods to provide specific recommendations. We calculated the efficiency of each CPBL team from the 2014 to 2016 regular-seasons. First, the “ex-member” indicator had a significant negative impact on team performance, indicating that a coaching team consisting of coaches with different backgrounds or experience is advantageous to a team’s performance in games; and second, the “ex-professional player” indicator had a significant impact on team performance in the regular season, indicating that the valuable experience of retired professional baseball players definitely has value. The proposed model, after being modified appropriately according to practical needs, can be widely applied to comprehensively track the coaching ability of professional baseball teams and coaches, as well as the players’ ability and efficiency, and will help implement improvements in all aspects of performance management with originality and significant impact.

A Preliminary Examination of Shoulder Joint Function Following Shoulder Complex Training and In-Season Play in Youth Baseball Players

Background: As shoulder care continues to be a concern for youth baseball players, coaches, parents, researchers and clinicians, shoulder complex care should remain a point of emphasis especially for in overhead athletes. The impact of throwing volume and shoulder care is important for us to understand. Objective: The purpose was to examine the changes in shoulder complex function during a playing season combined with shoulder complex training in young male baseball players. Methods: Eleven male baseball players (11-15 y/o) served as subjects. Pre-testing included shoulder joint internal/external rotation peak torque and average work as measured with isokinetic dynamometry (Biodex System 4Pro). Training over the 18-week project duration was Crossover Symmetry “Activation” and “Strength” protocols completed per manufacturer recommendations. Adherence was tracked via a weekly email sent to the subject’s guardian to self-report completed training. Post-testing was conducted at the conclusion of the 18th week. Paired sample t-tests compared pre-test and post-test mean differences for peak torque and average power (p&lt;0.05). Results: All-subject average for training was 54 sessions over the 18 weeks. Estimated number of throws completed during practice and games over the 18 weeks was 8,400. For both testing speeds and for both internal and external shoulder joint rotation, peak torque increases ranged from ~50% for external rotation at 60 deg/s up to ~200% for internal rotation at 120 deg/s. Statistical differences (p&lt;0.001) were noted between all pre-test and post-test internal and external rotation peak torque values. For both testing speeds and for both internal and external shoulder joint rotation, average power increases ranged from ~38% at 60 deg/s for external rotation up to ~200% at 120 deg/s for internal rotation. Statistical differences (p&lt;0.005) were noted between all pre-test and post-test internal and external rotation average power values. Conclusions: Substantial increases in shoulder joint rotation peak torques and power were seen across the 18-week study duration. As this was a preliminary investigation, we have yet to discern if these increases are due to the shoulder complex training or volume of throwing that was completed.

Glenn Killinger, All American: Penn State's World War I Sports Hero

Glenn Killinger, All American: Penn State's World War I Sports Hero

Enfoque de las instrucciones de atención en el béisbol durante el entrenamiento a los lanzadores.

It has often been shown that performance and learning of movement tasks can be improved, focusing on the effect of movement on the environment (external focus of attention) rather than the movement itself (internal focus of attention). However, most training instructions and feedback information given in sports seem to favor an internal focus on an external one. In the present study, we investigated the instructions and comments of the coaches in an instrumental sports action, namely baseball throwing, in which the external objectives are easily identifiable, such as the attack area or the receiver's glove. To this end, we record and analyze the release instructions and feedback statements of six baseball coaches delivered to 70 elite youth baseball pitchers (mean age 15.3 (SD 1.67) years) during regular training sessions Release during a four-week training period. All instructions and feedback statements were classified according to the type of attention of the invoked care (ie internal or external) and a rest category of all other statements. Of the statements that promote a specific attention approach (717/1699), only 31% (224/717) were classified as external attention statements. Consequently, the responses in a questionnaire completed by the launchers indicated that they used an internal focus of attention during practice and preferred to receive internal guidance on externally oriented instructions and comments. Current results show that, even in sports that involve clear external objectives, such as baseball throwing, the internal approach to care instructions prevails, despite experimental evidence in favor of the external focus of care instructions.

Elbow Injury Prevention in Youth Dominican Baseball Players: A Training Intervention Pilot Study

Background: Research suggests deficits in shoulder and elbow strength and flexibility may explain the role of elbow injuries in overhead athletes, specifically ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury in baseball players. Significant damage to this ligament typically requires operative care for continued activity in the sport. Several studies have demonstrated the success of rehabilitation programs post-surgery; however, few studies have examined the role of UCL injury prevention programs. A recognized upper extremity (UE) injury prevention method is the Thrower’s Ten Program. This program may create elbow stability when pitching and throwing, theoretically reducing the risk of UCL injury. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility of teaching this program to youth baseball coaches in a Spanish-speaking, developing country. Design: This is a pilot study carried out at the Youth Baseball Academy in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Participants included youth male baseball players (N=24), aged 14 to 18 years, who completed a health history survey. Dominican male coaches (N=5), aged 21 to 35 years, averaging seven years of coaching, were taught the Thrower’s Ten program. Two days post training and one-year post training, the coaches were assessed on their ability to properly demonstrate the exercises. The main outcome measures were a baseline of UE injuries in a baseball academy; proper demonstration of exercises as tracked on a Thrower’s Ten Program checklist; and implementation of the program. Results: Nearly 80% (19 of 24) of the youth baseball players recorded a current or previous UE injury. All coaches achieved a 100% (21 of 21) accuracy rate two days post training and the pitching coached achieved an 85% (18 of 21) one year later. The pitching coaches utilized the program three times per week. Conclusions: Findings suggest UE injury prevention programs are needed and can be successfully integrated into a Dominican youth baseball academy.