Fear on the Softball Field

Growing up, I wasn’t much of a baseball or softball player. Sure I enjoyed playing catch with my dad. And I loved going to Tiger Stadium to watch Cecil Fielder, Lou Whitaker, and Alan Trammel. But I never was on a little league or farm ball team.

Fast forward 30 years. My son is a baseball fanatic, and I find myself playing on a neighborhood softball team. Meanwhile, he is getting excited about his own spring training. Take me out to the ballgame.

I just have one problem – I’m afraid of baseball! As an infectious diseases doctor, I’ve seen everything go wrong. Infected skull fractures, ankle surgeries, etc. I imagine the ball rocketing off the bat and hitting myself or Joe in the head. Do they have adequate protective equipment in baseball?

So I decided to take a look at the data and found this epidemiological study from the University of Pennsylvania.

The bottom line is there is a significant burden of injuries from baseball and softball. I am vindicated! Youth leagues should look harder at their protective equipment and other practices.

I think it’s important to examine everything from a public health perspective. It doesn’t matter if it’s baseball, firearms, nuclear weapons, soda, cigarettes, alcohol, cars, etc. We can figure out ways to reduce the risk of premature injury and death, but we have to be committed to prevention.

So where does that leave me with baseball? I’m not going to go overboard but I think I am going to look for a softball helmet. But on the other hand, there is a major health benefit to playing a sport outside, and serious injuries remain rare. Any thoughts?

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