As the
number of overuse injuries continues to rise in young baseball players, safe pitching guidelines — which focus on proper warm up exercises;
maximum play time and pitch counts; recommended rest periods; appropriate ages for learning various types
of pitches; and not playing on multiple teams, year round or on
consecutive days — are being integrated into play at many
of the nation's 200,000 youth baseball teams, ideally with a firm, cooperative commitment from coaches, parents / caregivers and players.