Eye injuries are also common in baseball. In fact, baseball is the leading cause of sports-related eye injuries in children. Catastrophic injuries in baseball and softball are rare. They occur most often when players are struck in the head or chest with a ball or a bat. Baseball can lead to injuries caused by overusing a certain body part.
Pitchers commonly suffer overuse injuries in their elbows or shoulders.
As many as 45 percent of pitchers under age 12 have chronic elbow pain, and among high school pitchers, the percentage rises to 58 percent. To prevent these injuries, Little League Baseball, Inc., has set a limit of six innings of pitching per week and requires pitchers to rest between appearances. Teaching proper pitching mechanics can also prevent serious overuse injuries. Helmets and safety equipment for catchers have brought about reductions in injuries. Other safety gear has been added more recently, including eye protectors and face masks on helmets.