Williams: Tommy John Surgery Turns 50. Here's the downside to MLB, baseball hyping 'velo'

Introduction

It's been 50 years since Tommy John underwent the groundbreaking surgery that now bears his name, and it is now the most common operation in Major League Baseball. The procedure has saved countless careers, but it also has a downside: it can lead to a decrease in velocity.

What is Tommy John Surgery?

Tommy John surgery is a surgical procedure that repairs a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow. The UCL is a band of tissue that helps to stabilize the elbow joint. When the UCL is torn, it can cause pain, instability, and a decrease in velocity.

How Does Tommy John Surgery Affect Velocity?

Tommy John surgery can affect velocity in two ways. First, the surgery itself can damage the nerves and muscles that control the arm. This can lead to a decrease in strength and coordination, which can make it difficult to throw the ball with the same velocity as before the surgery.

Second, Tommy John surgery can lead to the development of scar tissue in the elbow. This scar tissue can restrict the range of motion in the elbow, which can also make it difficult to throw the ball with the same velocity as before the surgery.

The Downside of Hyping 'Velo'

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on velocity in Major League Baseball. This is due in part to the rise of analytics, which has shown that pitchers who throw harder have a better chance of striking out batters and winning games.

However, the emphasis on velocity has also led to a decrease in the number of pitchers who are willing to throw a variety of pitches. This is because it is easier to throw hard with a fastball than it is with other pitches, such as a changeup or a curveball.

The decrease in the number of pitchers who are willing to throw a variety of pitches has made it easier for hitters to guess what pitch is coming. This has led to an increase in the number of home runs and a decrease in the number of strikeouts.

Conclusion

Tommy John surgery is a valuable tool for repairing torn UCLs, but it can also lead to a decrease in velocity. The emphasis on velocity in Major League Baseball has led to a decrease in the number of pitchers who are willing to throw a variety of pitches, which has made it easier for hitters to guess what pitch is coming. This has led to an increase in the number of home runs and a decrease in the number of strikeouts.