We’ve seen some great pitching performances this summer with workhorses like Paige Parker (2014, Oklahoma) of Originals Gold and Kelly Barnhill (2015, undecided) with the EC Bullets-Schnute carrying their teams on their backs deep into tournament brackets, sometimes to championship games.

But is there too much of a good thing?

The above players have shown that they have the make-up mentally and physically to do this and they want the ball in clutch situations; however, is “overpitching” in a tournament a problem?

Generally, are pitchers in danger of pitching too much and risking injuries? Are high school or club coaches concerned too much about getting the championship hardware?

We asked some big-name club coaches their opinion on the subject.

“Yes, pitching is overdone,” said legendary OC Batbuster head coach Gary Haning “Ten to twelve years ago you didn’t have these problems like we do today. We’re seeing a lot of shoulder injuries today and it’s not just the pitching, it’s also overtraining.”

Bruce Richardson, who has won four straight PGF National titles with the So Cal Athletics, says the way a pitcher throws can be problematic.

“I think a lot depends on the mechanics and that has a lot to do with it,” he explained. “It catches up with some and others may be fine. There are unique situations but generally you have to be cautious.”

Haning thinks the danger exists not just at the club level but also in high school competition.

“You see some pitchers throwing four or five games a week in high school,” he continued, “and sometimes both games of a double header. Then you add pitching lessons to it and it’s a problem. Plus, most pitchers don’t ice and most don’t even cool down, it’s ridiculous.”

Bret Denio of Explosion is also the National Director for the PGF Nationals and has a unique perspective as a coach and event producer, seeing hundreds, if not thousands, of games annually.

“You have to look at the event,” he begins. “If a pitcher gets in a winner’s bracket and the team plays well, you can cruise through and not put her in danger. But it’s almost impossible in the loser’s bracket.”

“Ten to twelve years ago you didn’t have these problems like we do today,” says Gary Haning. “We’re seeing a lot of shoulder injuries today and it’s not just the pitching, it’s also overtraining.”

Denio adds another factor that isn’t always readily apparent: the player and coach insist on pitching a lot, even exclusively.

“You see this especially in areas where there isn’t a lot of depth,” he states. “Pitchers and parents want to pitch every inning; in some cases, they demand it or they’ll find a team that lets them be the exclusive ace. The teams want to look good so they go along with it and want to be competitive, especially against California teams.”

“You don’t see this being a problem in Southern California, especially, because coaches are deep with pitching and if one girl or parent demands to be No.1, the coach will go with the next best player and not deal with the headache.”

Overall, though, Haning feels strongly that the sport is seeing many more injuries today and stresses coaches need to take responsibility.

“There’s no reason to do it (overpitch),” he stresses. “We didn’t do it with Jennie Finch and it shouldn’t be done today. You’ve seen the problems in baseball and in softball, too, it’s not without effect.”

One high-profile college head coach, who has won a National Championship, keeps a close eye on incoming recruits to make sure the pitchers are used properly.

“I definitely am concerned about my pitchers and how they’re used,” the coach says. “One thing you have to remember is that these are young competitors who get pumped up with adrenaline and may not even know their bodies are hurting until it’s too late.”

“We all have to watch out for this; the most important thing is we take care of the health of these special young athletes.

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Players, parents, coaches… what do you think? We’d love to get your comments on the topic of overpitching and if you think it’s a growing problem or an unnecessary concern. Should their be limits put in place? Or should it be left up to the player and coach?

E-mail any thoughts or comments to: brentt@studentsports.com