College Baseball Research Articles

Did court dismiss student's breach‐of‐contract claim?

John Doe enrolled in Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania and joined the college's baseball team. During an out‐of‐state team tournament trip to Florida, he met Jane Roe, with whom he had a sexual encounter. The following day, Roe, then 16, filed a sexual battery complaint with local authorities. In a subsequent controlled call monitored by detectives, Doe reportedly admitted to the interaction. When interviewed by detectives later, he acknowledged that Roe had expressed discomfort but stated that he offered to stop and she agreed. However, he allegedly continued to initiate sexual contact after offering to stop. Doe was arrested and later charged with sexual battery of a minor.

Did court dismiss student's breach‐of‐contract claim?

John Doe enrolled in Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania and joined the college's baseball team. During an out‐of‐state team tournament trip to Florida, he met Jane Roe, with whom he had a sexual encounter. The following day, Roe, then 16, filed a sexual battery complaint with local authorities. In a subsequent controlled call monitored by detectives, Doe reportedly admitted to the interaction. When interviewed by detectives later, he acknowledged that Roe had expressed discomfort but he offered to stop and she agreed, however, he allegedly continued to initiate sexual contact. Doe was arrested and later charged with sexual battery of a minor.

Variabilities of salivary human herpesvirus 6, 7, and secretory immunoglobulin A levels from pre- to post-competition periods in baseball players.

Persistent physical fatigue (PPhF) accompanying daily intensive training often results in underperformance. While salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) has been traditionally used as an immunological marker, salivary human herpesvirus 6 and/or 7 (HHV-6/7) have recently been presented as "microbiological" markers of PPhF. This study aimed to examine the monthly variabilities of salivary HHV-6/7 levels and the difference with SIgA along the training periodization. A total of 27 healthy male university baseball players (N.=17) and non-players (student staff, N.=10) were followed up for 4 months (August, pre-competition period; September and October, competition period; November, post-competition period). The main measures were subjective and objective fatigue parameters (questionnaires and performance tests), and salivary HHV-6/7 and SIgA levels. The fatigue parameters indicated a decrease in athletic performance from August to September due to PPhF during high intensity training in August. Two-way repeated analysis of variance showed that salivary HHV-6 and -7 levels were higher in players compared to non-players (P<0.05). Salivary HHV-6 levels gradually decreased (P<0.05), whereas HHV-7 levels remained unchanged (P>0.05). Salivary SIgA levels were higher in players rather than in non-players (P>0.05), and the levels did not change (P>0.05). Our findings suggest that salivary HHV-6/7 levels, specifically in HHV-6, reflect the degree of PPhF independently of SIgA levels. As saliva can be collected anywhere, periodic monitoring of salivary HHV-6/7 levels may be easily applicable for assessing PPhF beside sports field and allow appropriate conditioning.

Assessing the Elasticity of the Flexor Pronator Muscles After Throwing Using Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography.

The medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow joint is the primary restraint to valgus stress during the throwing motion. The flexor pronator muscles (FPMs) also stabilize the elbow joint against valgus forces; however, assessment of FPM stiffness in baseball players has been limited. To use ultrasound shear wave elastography (USWE) to evaluate the change in tissue elasticity of the FPMs due to pitching. Descriptive laboratory study. Included were 14 healthy male amateur baseball players (mean age, 28.0 ± 2.6 years) who had played intermediate-level high school or college baseball. The tissue elasticity of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) in the superficial layer of the FPMs and the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) in the deep layer of the FPMs were measured using USWE before, immediately after, and 24 hours after a throwing session of 100 pitches. The intra- and interrater reliability of the measurements were evaluated using the Pearson correlation coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The elasticity of each muscle was analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance followed by post hoc analysis. Reliability of the USWE measurements was good to excellent (intrarater ICCs, 0.78-0.94; interrater ICCs, 0.85-0.96). The mean tissue elasticity values before, immediately after, and 24 hours after pitching were 22.3 ± 4.4, 41.0 ± 13.8, and 38.3 ± 11.2 kPa, respectively, for the FDS and 27.1 ± 5.8, 48.0 ± 22.3, and 29.6 ± 11.5 kPa, respectively, for the FDP. For both the FDS and FDP, elasticity was significantly higher immediately after pitching than before pitching (P < .001 and P = .0027, respectively). While the elasticity of the FDS at 24 hours after pitching remained significantly higher compared with before pitching (P = .0011), the elasticity of the FDP at 24 hours decreased to the same level as before pitching (P = .91). Results using USWE indicated that the elasticity of the FDS did not decrease 24 hours after pitching and remained significantly higher than before pitching, suggesting that it may not be fully functioning as a dynamic stabilizer during this period. Pitching in such a condition may result in greater stress on the UCL and increase the risk of UCL injury.

Fundamental study on ambient noise reduction for analysis of hitting sound of professional baseball players

In recent years, the sound of a hitting ball during a baseball game has focused attention on the American Major League Baseball and Japanese professional baseball. It is reported that information such as the direction and distance of a batted ball can be detected from the sound. The sounds of players hitting the ball are sometimes expressed using various onomatopoeic. In our previous study, we recorded the sound of a baseball hit during hitting practice for players of a university baseball team in the Tokyo metropolitan area in Japan. Relationships between the acoustic characteristics of the sound and the distance and direction of the ball were clarified. In this research, acoustic analysis of professional baseball players' batted ball sounds from Youtube and other videos is used to identify the acoustic features and characteristics of the batted ball. This paper describes the method and accuracy of noise removal around the hitting sound extracted from the video using a convolutional neural network with images.

Isolated Musculocutaneous Neuropathy In A College Baseball Pitcher

Isolated Musculocutaneous Neuropathy In A College Baseball Pitcher

Within-subject time series angular velocity differences between in-game high and low velocity fastballs in college baseball pitchers

PurposeThe purpose of the current study is to investigate the within-pitcher differences in time series angular velocities of the pelvis, trunk, shoulder, and elbow for high and low velocity fastballs in college baseball pitchers. MethodsIn-game data were retrospectively analyzed from 82 NCAA Division 1 pitchers ([1.89 ​± ​0.06] m, [92.8 ​± ​9.5] kg). Kinematic data were collected using an in-game markerless motion capture system. Time series data of pelvis, trunk, shoulder, and elbow angular velocities for each pitcher's fastest and slowest fastball were extracted for the pitch cycle (foot contact to ball release) and used for analysis. Within-subject time series comparisons were conducted using statistical parametric mapping (SPM) paired samples t-tests (α ​= ​0.012 5). ResultsEach of the tested segments were significantly faster in the fastest fastball trial compared to the slowest fastball trial. The duration of significance in reference to the pitch cycle, test statistic, and p-value, for each segment are as follows: Pelvis: 0%–4%, t ​= ​3.54, p ​= ​0.012; Trunk: 30%–67%, t ​= ​5.62, p ​< ​0.001; Shoulder External Rotation: 3%–50%, t ​= ​−6.03, p ​< ​0.001; Shoulder Internal Rotation: 96%–100%, t ​= ​4.11, p ​= ​0.008; Elbow: 75%–86%, t ​= ​4.13, p ​< ​0.001. DiscussionWithin-subjects differences exist in time series angular velocities when comparing the fastest and slowest fastball. These time series differences provide additional information to distinguish fastball velocity beyond what discrete metrics can provide. Pitchers should look to rotate each segment faster, and optimize the sequencing of these movements, to increase pitch velocity.

Tall and Fall Versus Drop and Drive Strategy in College Baseball Pitchers for Velocity and Elbow Valgus Torque

Background: Depending on anthropometrics and coaching style, pitchers are taught to pitch with a stride strategy that are traditionally classified as “tall and fall” or “drop and drive” for the purpose of maximizing pitch velocity. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of stride strategy (tall and fall vs drop and drive) in college baseball pitching on pitch velocity and elbow valgus torque. It was hypothesized that pitch velocity and elbow valgus torque would increase as pitchers aligned more with the tall and fall technique. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Markerless motion capture data were recorded on 64 collegiate pitchers (height, 1.89 ± 0.06 m; weight, 93.06 ± 9.44 kg) during game play at the host institution during the 2023 season. Peak magnitudes of body center of mass (COM) vertical displacement were determined using a straight-line trajectory between peak knee height and lead foot contact and used as a continuous variable. Pitchers were required to throw ≥4 fastballs during their outing to be included in the analysis. Multilevel modeling was used to determine associations between peak magnitudes of positive and negative vertical displacement of COM on pitch velocity and elbow valgus torque. Every fastball throughout the season with biomechanics data for each pitcher was included in the multilevel model. Results: Fastball velocity was mean ± SD 90.68 ± 2.90 mph (40.54 ± 1.29 m/s). Mean maximal negative vertical COM displacement was −0.91 ± 0.47 inches (−0.023 ± 0.012 m), which occurred 18.1% ± 5.75% of the way between peak knee height and stride foot contact. Mean maximal positive vertical COM displacement was 1.73 ± 1.14 inches (0.044 ± 0.029 m), which occurred 65.7% ± 7.8% of the time from peak knee height to stride foot contact. Positive COM displacement (β = 0.54; P < .001) and timing of peak positive COM displacement (β = 1.82; P = .023) reduced interpitcher variance by 9.9% and improved the ability of our model to predict fastball velocity. Negative COM displacement improved the ability of our model to predict ball velocity (β = −0.45; P = .021). Vertical COM displacement did not influence elbow valgus torque. Conclusion: Increasing vertical COM displacement in either the positive or the negative direction resulted in increased fastball velocity but did not result in greater elbow valgus torque. This indicates that the stride method may be used for performance enhancement but is unlikely to influence ulnar collateral ligament injury risk in college baseball pitchers. Clinical Relevance: Clinicians should not use stride mechanics as an injury risk indicator or diagnostic factor in injury etiology for college baseball pitchers.

Effect of difference landing distance on landing error scoring system score in college baseball player

&lt;p&gt;目的：本研究目的為比較不同落地距離對著地錯誤動作評分測驗分數之影響。方法：本研究以 16 名大專棒球男性運動員為受試者 (年齡：19.37 &amp;plusmn; 0.88 歲、身高：175.67 &amp;plusmn; 6.14 公分、體重：70.51 &amp;plusmn; 8.67 公斤、球齡：7.96 &amp;plusmn; 2.46 年)。所有受試者重複量測進行 40 % 身高落地距離、50 % 身高落地距離、60 % 身高落地距離的著地錯誤動作評分測驗 (landing error scoring system, LESS) 測驗。結果：結果發現 40 % 身高落地距離 (5.47 &amp;plusmn; 1.3)、50 % 身高落地距離 (5.38 &amp;plusmn; 0.97)、60 % 身高落地距離 (5.37 &amp;plusmn;1.1) 在 LESS 分數上皆沒有顯著差異 (p &lt;.05)。結論：本研究結論為大專棒球男性運動員進行 LESS 測試時，使用 40 % 身高落地距離、50 % 身高落地距離、60 % 身高落地距離獲得的 LESS 分數和風險分類皆會相似。建議未來教練在測試 LESS 時，可以設置 40 % ~ 60 % 的落地距離，減少測試過程的困難度。&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of different landing distances on the landing-error scoring system (LESS). Methods: We enrolled 16 college-going baseball players as participants (age: 19.37 &amp;plusmn; 0.88 years, body height: 175.67 &amp;plusmn; 6.14 cm, body weight: 70.51 &amp;plusmn; 8.67 kg, player’s baseball age: 7.96 &amp;plusmn; 2.46 years). All participants performed maneuvers with landing distances of 40 %, 50 %, and 60% of an individual&amp;rsquo;s body height. Results: There was no significant difference in the group&amp;rsquo;s mean LESS scores under all the tested conditions (p &lt;.05). Conclusion: The group&amp;rsquo;s mean LESS scores was similar when college-going baseball player performed maneuvers with landing distances of 40 %, 50 %, and 60 % of an individual&amp;rsquo;s body height. For testing the LESS, we recommended that the coach set a landing distance of 40 % ~ 60 % to reduce the difficulty of the test process.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Prevalence of abnormal ultrasonography findings in the posterosuperior humeral head of asymptomatic collegiate baseball pitchers

BackgroundThe posterosuperior humeral head contacts the glenoid during pitching. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) often detects abnormalities in the posterosuperior humeral head of baseball pitchers, ultrasonography may also be effective in identifying these abnormalities. However, studies on such abnormalities in asymptomatic players are limited. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of abnormal findings in the humeral head using ultrasonography in asymptomatic collegiate baseball pitchers. MethodsWe utilized ultrasonography to assess abnormal findings in the humeral head, defined as a break in continuity or an irregular surface around the infraspinatus insertion, in 33 college baseball pitchers (pitcher group) and 30 college students without experience in overhead sports (control group). For 11 of the 33 pitchers, computed tomography (CT)-like images were used to locate the abnormalities. The location was quantitatively identified in the axial plane using a clock system, with the bicipital groove designated as 12 o’clock, and qualitatively assessed in the sagittal plane. Shoulder internal and external rotation ranges of motion (IR and ER ROMs) and humeral retroversion were measured using an inclinometer. The prevalence of abnormalities among the four subgroups (throwing and non-throwing shoulders of the pitcher group and dominant and non-dominant shoulders of the control group) was compared using the Fisher’s exact test. A paired t-test was also performed to compare the IR and ER ROMs, as well as the humeral retroversion between each group’s throwing (dominant) and non-throwing (non-dominant) sides. ResultsThe prevalence of abnormalities was significantly higher (76%) in the throwing shoulder of the pitcher group than in the other shoulder groups (< .001). The mean position of the humeral head abnormalities in the axial plane was 8:32 ± 0:21 in the clock system, with all abnormalities located at the infraspinatus insertion on the greater tuberosity in the sagittal plane according to CT-like image analysis. While ER ROM and humeral retroversion were greater in the throwing shoulder, IR ROM was less than that in the non-throwing shoulder in the pitcher group (< .001). ConclusionUltrasonographic assessments revealed a higher prevalence of abnormalities in humeral head for asymptomatic collegiate baseball pitchers. Repetitive throwing motions may lead not only to adaptations in the ROM of the shoulder joint but also to abnormalities in the humeral head. Thus, ultrasonography may help identify asymptomatic baseball players with physiological internal impingement.

Unilateral Trapezius Atrophy in a College Baseball Player: A Clinical Vignette.

Unilateral Trapezius Atrophy in a College Baseball Player: A Clinical Vignette.

Effects of isolated shoulder versus core-shoulder chain exercises on motor control and isokinetic torque in baseball pitchers with shoulder impingement syndrome: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Recent biomechanical evidence suggests that shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is closely linked with altered core-shoulder kinetic chain, resulting pain, altered external shoulder muscle activation, and external muscle weakness. We aimed to compare the effects of conventional isolated shoulder exercise (ISE) and core-shoulder chain exercises (CCE) during isokinetic shoulder rotation in baseball pitchers with SIS. Forty male college baseball pitchers with SIS were randomly allocated to ISE and CCE groups and they performed the exercises 3 times a week for 6 weeks. The standardised numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), electromyography (EMG) amplitude, and concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) torques were measured. Substantial improvements in NPRS and SPADI scores were observed after CCE compared to ISE (p ≤ 0.046). Internal oblique/transversus abdominis, rectus abdominis, external oblique, serratus anterior, and infraspinatus muscle activation were significantly higher after CCE than ISE (p ≤ 0.033). CON and ECC torques were higher after CCE than ISE (p ≤ 0.002). The present findings demonstrated superior therapeutic effects of CCE in improving pain, disability level, shoulder muscle activation, and torque (muscle strength) in baseball pitchers with SIS compared to the conventional ISE, highlighting the importance of the chain exercise concept.

Morphologic changes in the posterior glenoid rim is independently associated with rotator cuff impingement in baseball players

BackgroundThe morphological changes in the posterior glenoid rim are unknown in relation to the area of rotator cuff tendons pinched within the glenohumeral joint in the throwing shoulders of baseball players. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify whether these changes are associated with the area of impingement in baseball players. MethodsOverall, 25 asymptomatic male college baseball players (average age19.8 years, 11.6 years of competing, and 50 shoulders) participated in this study. The area of impingement (AOI, mm2) and posterior glenohumeral distance (PGHD, mm) were measured using magnetic resonance imaging to quantitatively assess the impingement area of the rotator cuff tendon within the glenohumeral joint and the morphologic change in the posterior glenoid rim. These magnetic resonance imaging assessments were measured at 90° shoulder abduction with 90° and 100° external rotation. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine whether AOI is predicted by PGHD. FindingsMultiple linear regression analysis showed that the PGHD was a predictor of the AOI at external rotation 90° (β-coefficient = 0.738, R2 = 0.77, P < 0.001) and external rotation 100° position (β-coefficient = 0.879, R2 = 0.76, P < 0.001). InterpretationThis study found that the area of impingement was associated with posterior glenohumeral distance. Therefore, these findings may indicate that complex shoulder joint morphologic changes result in a disabled throwing shoulder.

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.

Periscapular Strength Profile Changes in Collegiate Baseball Pitchers Over the Course of a Season.

Repetitive application of high forces to the shoulder and scapular musculature during the pitching motion over the course of a collegiate baseball season may lead to changes in strength and increased fatigue, potentially predisposing pitching athletes to injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate periscapular strength profiles of Division I collegiate baseball players over the course of a season. This study was a retrospective data analysis of 18 Division I baseball pitchers. Isometric scapular plane abduction (scaption), external rotator, internal rotator, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius isometric strength was measured on throwing arm of each subject using a MicroFET 2 handheld dynamometer. Data were collected in a single session at the preseason, midseason, and postseason of the college baseball season, which spanned a five-month period. A repeated measures ANOVA was utilized to determine if there was a significant change in periscapular strength across the baseball season. Over the three time-points, all strength values decreased for each muscle group, with decreases ranging from 3-14%. Changes in scaption strength values were statistically significant (p=0.018, partial eta squared =0.284) with an 8% reduction over the entire season, specifically with a 5% decline from mid-season to post-season. While external rotator, internal rotator, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius strength values all decreased over the course of the season (range 0.02kg to 1.8kg), these differences were not statistically significant. However, the middle trapezius strength value change (1.3kg loss) exceeded the minimal detectible change. Periscapular muscles in baseball pitchers diminish in strength over the course of a collegiate baseball season. Understanding strength changes over the course of a season may influence training and therapeutic interventions. 3b.

Reproducibility and Validity of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow Score (Japanese Version).

The Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic (KJOC) questionnaire is a self-reported performance and functional assessment tool with good reliability and validity for overhead athletes with shoulder and elbow injuries. This study aimed to develop a Japanese version of the KJOC (J-KJOC) to clarify its reproducibility and validity for use by Japanese university baseball players. The J-KJOC was translated according to the guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation. A total of 88 university baseball players completed the J-KJOC and the Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Q-DASH) questionnaires. Thirty players completed the J-KJOC two times after a median interval of two weeks. We assessed the absolute reliability, construct validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranged from 0.88 and the intraclass correlation coefficient for the total score was 0.91. A fixed bias was absent in the J-KJOC scores (mean difference: -2.2, 95% CI: -4.8 to 0.5). Furthermore, the J-KJOC score was correlated with the Q-DASH-disability/symptom (r = -0.60, p<0.01) and Q-DASH-sports/music (r = -0.63, p<0.01) scores but not correlated with the Q-DASH-work score (r = -0.11, p = 0.316). The J-KJOC questionnaire demonstrated good reproducibility and validity for assessing upper arm performance in Japanese university baseball players. The results of this study support the use of the J-KJOC for Japanese-speaking baseball players. Further research using this instrument on other types of overhead athletes is needed to determine its wider utility in sports medicine applications.

Classifying batted ball outcomes from Division I collegiate baseball players

ABSTRACT Modern technology challenges anecdotal beliefs on baseball performance. The study’s purpose examines these beliefs by classifying batted ball outcomes. Three categories of independent variables (anthropometry, in-game situation, technique-based), from 1,922 batted ball outcomes produced by 230 players, were used to classify the likelihood of hits during 2021 college baseball games. Anthropometry included player’s heights and weights. In-game situation entailed batter side, same side, ahead count, and pitch type. Technique-based variables measured by TrackMan radar included exit speed (ExSp), launch angle (LA), batted ball distance (BBD), and hang time (HT). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed with batted ball outcome as the dependent variable. Independent variables provided a good fit (χ2 (10) = 522.358, p < 0.01) and correctly classified nearly three-fourths of outcomes. Height (β = 0.030, p < 0.05), ExSp (β = 0.023, p < 0.05), LA (β = 0.028, p < 0.01), and BBD (β = 0.067, p < 0.01) each had significant positive associations, yet HT (β = –1.661, p < 0.01) had a significant negative association, with batted ball outcomes. TrackMan provided four significant independent variables. Anthropometry’s contribution to batting outcome was modest, while in-game situation’s impact was non-significant; results contradict anecdotal beliefs of their importance.

Stiffness Changes in Shoulder Muscles between Pitchers and Position Players after Throwing Overhead Using Shear Wave Elastography and Throwing Motion Analysis.

Objectives: The objective is to compare stiffness changes around the shoulder muscles between pitchers and position players after throwing overhead using shear wave elastography (SWE) in relation to throwing motion analysis and muscle strength. Methods: A total of 32 male college baseball players (12 pitchers and 20 position players) were observed throwing 20 times, and SWE was performed to evaluate 13 shoulder muscle items-tendons (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor), muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus [transverse and oblique part], teres minor, lower trapezius, latissimus dorsi, and pectoralis minor), and capsules (posterior and posteroinferior). Motion analysis was used to assess elbow torque, forearm angle, forearm rotation speed, and maximum external rotation angle of the shoulder. Muscle strength was measured using a dynamometer for abduction, internal/external rotation of the shoulder at an abduction of 0°, internal/external rotation of the shoulder at an abduction of 90°, and internal/external rotation of shoulder at a flexion of 90°. Results: In the pitcher group, SWE values for the teres minor muscle and latissimus dorsi muscle increased significantly after throwing. In the position player group, SWE values for the teres minor muscle significantly increased, and SWE values of the pectoralis minor muscle decreased after throwing. In the pitcher group, positive correlations were found between the teres minor muscle and forearm rotation speed and between the latissimus dorsi muscle and forearm angle. No significant difference was found in muscle strength after throwing in any of the groups. Conclusions: Stiffness changes occurred after throwing and were related to the motion analysis, but the regions in which stiffness occurred varied between pitchers and position players.

Emotional stoicism and affective masculinities in Chad Harbach’s The Art of Fielding

ABSTRACT Chad Harbach’s The Art of Fielding (2011) offers a compelling phenomenology of contemporary masculine affect in the story of troubled young white men on a college baseball team who struggle with ‘emotional stoicism’, a term gender scholars use to describe how boys and men are taught to hide feelings and vulnerabilities that Western culture has long associated with girls and women. Harbach’s novel explores the association between masculine ‘stoicism’ and the eponymous philosophy of Stoicism, which developed exercises to extirpate emotions. Harbach finds in the impossible quest for Stoic apatheia an analogy to the similarly futile pursuit of hegemonic masculinities, both fruitlessly following the logic of what Lauren Berlant terms ‘cruel optimism’, a concept that can help vividly illustrate how some Stoic philosophy distorts the affective lives of men. Yet the novel redeems elements of Stoicism, revealing how masculinities that encourage a competitive and controlling orientation toward others fundamentally contradict central Stoic ethical teachings. A re-envisioned, non-sexist Stoicism, the novel implies, might help boys and men to avoid the most harmful manifestations of hegemonic, ‘stoic’ masculinity.

Arm Health in Elite Collegiate Summer League Baseball Players Assessed by the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Score.

Collegiate baseball players with professional aspirations often participate in summer leagues; foremost among them is the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL). Injuries acquired during the collegiate baseball season can be carried into the CCBL season and vice versa. To assess the history of throwing arm injury and current functionality in midseason CCBL players. Cross-sectional study. Online questionnaire. A total of 123 CCBL players participated. Qualifying athletes were ≥18 years old and were rostered CCBL players with remaining collegiate eligibility. After collecting background information, we used the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) Shoulder and Elbow questionnaire to assess the history of throwing arm injury and current functionality. The maximum KJOC score is 100.0; higher scores correspond with greater functionality. The mean KJOC score was 86.6 ± 14.5 (n = 92); 24.5% (23/94) of players reported a prior diagnosis of throwing arm injury other than a strain or sprain. A total of 49 (49/96, 51.0%) players had undergone rehabilitation for a throwing arm injury, and 7 (7/96, 7.3%) had experienced a medical procedure. Players with no previous treatment (n = 41, mean KJOC score = 88.9 ± 19.0) more frequently demonstrated KJOC scores of ≥90 than players with such treatment (n = 55, 80.9 ± 17.1; P < .001). The 18 players with time-loss arm injury in the last year had lower mean KJOC scores (71.3 ± 20.0) than players with no injury or time loss (90.3 ± 9.8; P < .001). Similarly, players who reported current arm trouble (n = 15) had lower KJOC scores (71.6 ± 17.5) than players with healthy arms (89.5 ± 11.9; P < .001). The average KJOC score of the CCBL players was <90, with particularly low scores in athletes with prior arm injury and treatment.