Teaching sports safety is the number one responsibility of any reputable baseball coach. Children need to learn to practice good safety in every sport. Baseball and softball injuries are preventable. Baseball and softball is among the most popular sport in the United States. In the United States there are over 6 million kids from the ages under 14 playing organized baseball and softball. There are three times that playing the game recreationally. In 2005 there were an estimate of 175,000 kids treated in hospital emergency rooms for baseball and softball related injuries.



Baseball pitching machine are a very safe product to use. The key is to use them properly. I have been to many of practices and watch untrained coaches and players use equipment and get hurt. Here are 5 key tips to reduce of chance of injury when using a pitching machine.

1. Adult supervision is a must. There is something to be said about good adult supervision. We as adults are supposed to be more mature and smarter. Everyone can remember being a kid. When we were kids we thought we were invincible. Coaches and parents look for hidden dangers. If you see something, point it out to the player. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

2. Protective gear such as batting helmets. Batting helmets offer great protection to lessen the chance of head or facial injuries. Please make sure that the helmet properly fits each player. Chin straps are good to keep the helmet in place. Face guards will also help eliminate facial injuries.

3. Make sure the balls are dry in the pitching machine. Balls will absorb moisture from many sources and become dangerous. Wild pitches are soon to follow. Use proper care of the pitching machine. Always use dry baseballs. Keep mind that a good solution is pitching machine baseballs. They are designed not to retain water. The pitching machine baseballs will give a batter a consistent pitch every time.

4. Make sure a player uses common sense. Have the player focused. Teach the player on what to do if there is a wild pitch. Teach the player how to move properly out of the way of a wild pitch.

5. Have a plan. Act quickly if an injury occurs. Have a properly stocked first aid kit and always have a cell phone close by in case of an emergency.

I have been to a pregame and witness this happen. I was watching an away game and a young palyer was getting loose in a batting cage, not paying attention and he got hit in the face high on his cheekbone. I know that it could have been prevented if only proper instruction would have been taken. No matter what the age of the athlete is, stay out of the hospital emergency room and stay on the diamond. Safety is the best game to play.