The softball season is starting with the first game this week.  Varsity plays Lawrence County at 4:30 p.m., and JV plays at 6:00 p.m.

Several players will be unable to play.  Since tryouts this summer (June 1-3), seven girls had surgery on their shoulders. The usual recovery time from the surgery is four months until a player can hit and six months until a player can throw.

Mikayla Jones, a senior has been playing softball for 13 years but, had to have surgery in August and said, “My whole joint was moved forward, stretched tendons, 10% tear on rotator cuff and also had a spur removed.” She also stated, “My recovery is still underway but I am doing great 6 months out of surgery.”

Nicole Buccieri, a junior has been playing softball for 12 year but, had to have surgery on October 27 and explained, “They did an arthrogram and the results showed there was nothing wrong but, because of constant pain Dr. Greco wanted to do surgery. My labrum was torn, and he had to do a reconstruction surgery.” She also stated, “I go back to Dr. Greco on February 11 to see if he will clear me for batting but all looks well. I will be able to throw two months after, but it will take 12 months for me to completely recover.”

Coach Kent Chambers has coached Bob Jones Softball for 28 years. Chambers stated, “The softball coaching staff has evaluated and the way we stretch, condition and throw to make sure we are doing everything possible to help prevent future shoulder injuries. In addition, we had coordinated with the trainers to make sure the girls are as safe as possible.” He also explained, “There has definitely been a rise in shoulder issues in softball the past several years. But this year is very unusual with so many injuries. According to the medical personnel we have spoken with most of the girls that had surgery this year have had shoulder issues for a long time.” He lastly talked about the two trainers at Bob Jones and stated, “Yes, I am very confident in Ty and Mike. They are well trained in the medical field.”

On the team, at least one girl from each grade had surgery. Since the sudden outbreak of shoulder injuries, the coaches and trainers have the girls to do warm-ups with bands to make sure all parts of the shoulder is strengthened before throwing. They have also added new warm-up techniques so the girls are not overthrowing their arms.

According to National Institute of Heath, girls have a higher injury rate than boys, and more of the injuries occurred in competition than practices.

Will the bands help reduce the amount of shoulder injuries?  We’ll have to see as the season gets underway.