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TeamSnap and Major League Baseball Launch Pitch Smart Video Series

TeamSnap, recognized as the leading platform for youth sports management with a community of over 30 million users, has collaborated with Major League Baseball (MLB) to unveil the Pitch Smart video series. This innovative series is designed to reshape the mindset of coaches, parents, and young baseball players regarding long-term pitcher health. The aim is clear: to combat the rising rates of pitcher injuries by providing essential resources and insights.

Launched on April 9, 2026, this new video series comes as a direct response to alarming findings from an MLB study on pitcher injuries. The study, which was released in late 2024, identified a concerning trend—inasmuch as pitcher injuries have steadily increased over the past twenty years. One of the significant contributors to this rise is the ever-present pressure on amateur players to achieve higher pitching velocities. This pursuit often leads to improper techniques and can have detrimental effects on young athletes' futures in the sport.

The Pitch Smart series, easily accessible within the TeamSnap app, covers a wide range of crucial topics. Among them are the dangers associated with focusing solely on pitching speed, strategies to avoid common injuries such as Tommy John surgery, and the advantages of being a multi-sport athlete. Through expert insights from MLB's team physicians and athletic trainers, as well as acclaimed coaches from college and high school baseball, families are equipped with firsthand knowledge aimed at fostering safe and healthy playing habits.

John D'Angelo, MLB's Senior Vice President of Amateur and Medical Baseball Operations, expressed the importance of this collaboration. He stated, “By teaming up with TeamSnap, we hope to disseminate vital information that can create a healthier pipeline for young pitchers. We've harnessed the most knowledgeable minds in sports medicine to engage our extensive audience consisting of baseball parents, coaches, and young players.” This collaboration emphasizes a shared commitment to ensuring that young athletes have the resources they need to maintain their performance while prioritizing their health.

But TeamSnap's dedication to player health goes beyond informational content. CEO Peter Frintzilas put it succinctly, saying, “We want young baseball players to relish their time on the field. Our goal is to help children who are passionate about baseball continue playing for years to come. Throwing smart is always preferable to throwing hard.”

The Pitch Smart initiative forms part of TeamSnap’s broader mission to provide unmatched support to youth sports. Since its partnership with MLB began in 2023—following the acquisition of MOJO Sports—TeamSnap has worked diligently to create a hub for coaches, players, and parents alike. The platform offers a breadth of resources, from practice plans and training drills to injury management and prevention guidelines, all designed to create an unforgettable sporting experience.

Baseball coaches and players can find the Pitch Smart series easily integrated within the TeamSnap app, along with numerous baseball and softball resources curated in collaboration with MLB’s youth development team.

Conclusion

The launch of the Pitch Smart series signifies a pivotal step towards safeguarding the health of young baseball players. By emphasizing evidence-based strategies for injury prevention, TeamSnap and MLB are actively working to mentor the next generation of athletes. They believe that nurturing a culture centered on smart athletic practices will ensure that a love for the game can be sustained over a lifetime. In an era where youth sports participation is ever-increasing, this initiative underscores the crucial importance of prioritizing athlete well-being.

For more information about TeamSnap and MLB’s commitment to youth sports health, interested parties are encouraged to visit their respective websites and explore the resources available through the TeamSnap platform.