Tossing a Baseball Around? Do This First!

Save your shoulder with the “Thrower’s Ten” warmup

MensHealth.com—April 13, 2011

By Andrew Pearle, M.D.

As a team physician for a major league baseball team, the New York Mets, I spend a couple weeks every March covering the club during spring training. In addition to treating players, I inevitably treat overzealous former athletes who are inspired by watching the players. This year, a close friend of mine called during his trip to spring training. "I’m so excited to live baseball for a week in Florida," he said. "I even got out my glove today, and threw with my son, a high school catcher, for an hour. I showed him my old fastball and slider." Knowing my friend had not thrown seriously since his high school days 25 years ago, I asked him how his arm felt. "A bit sore," he said, "but, I'm sure it will be fine tomorrow."

"I'll see you in my office in a week," I told him.