May 27, 2026, 2:20 p.m.
When treating baseball and softball players at the Young Athlete Center, part of St. Louis Children’s Hospital, physical therapists often discuss early sports specialization.
Sports specialization is intense, year-round training for a single sport. Parents and children may decide to specialize in one sport because they think it will make them a stronger athlete. However, studies show that playing one sport year-round—such as baseball or softball—increases the risk of injury with repeated throwing motions and inadequate rest. It can also lead to athlete burnout, and your child may miss out on developing agility, balance, and coordination from other sports.
We recommend that athletes delay specialization until they are at least 15 years old, and even then, it’s recommended that they play other sports, even if just for fun. Doing so, and taking a break from throwing, will allow the shoulder and elbow time to recover. Playing other sports is a great way to help baseball and softball players reduce their risk of injury and also improve their overall athletic performance.
