Great Job Colby-Now Go Ice Your Arm!

Today, both the PIX Morning News and the PIX News At Ten told viewers about Colby Gage of Adams, Massachusetts. Last Friday Colby pitched a perfect 6 inning game, striking out all 18 batters. Lost in the obvious excitement in the achievement is the fact that the child's long term health could be at risk if his family and coaches are not more diligent in the future.

First off, Colby threw 81 pitches in the game-four less than the supposed Little League limit. If you're a Yankee fan, you know pitcher Chien Ming-Wang was on a 80 pitch pitch count today against the Rangers. He reached 69 total in 4 and two thirds innings. The Joba Rules have been on again, off again for Joba Chamberlain from the moment he set foot in the Bronx. Pedro Martinez and Greg Maddux were limited to 85-90 pitches a start (In Maddux' case he often set the bar) during their careers.

My point is: If ADULTS who willingly know the risks and the strain the arm can take and ARE TRAINED to protect themselves limit themselves take precautions, what about a 12 year old kid? Livan Hernandez' recovery time from a 127 pitch effort last week is quite different than Colby's will be. At age 12, the strain on his arm, elbow and shoulder will stay-even as he grows. I'm all for grownups tossing complete games-if they can. Kids are a different matter.

Worse yet, Colby says his curveball helped him. Any medical doctor and honest major leaguer will tell you that curveballs put a real strain on the body. The vast majority of sports doctors will tell you that curveballs should not be part of a pitcher's arsenal till the late stages of high school-at the earliest.

But knowing our highlight driven, what have you done for me lately society, nothing will change. Little League has sold its soul to curve balls, aluminum bats and punk rock highlight packages on ESPN, despite the best efforts of concerned parents and physicians.

Colby, congratulations. My advice: If your arm is strong enough to throw 81 pitches in a game, learn to play another position till your junior year of high school.