National Injury Database for Major League Baseball

One way to prevent baseball injuries is to understand how they happen. A good way to do that is to create a computerized database where information on injuries can be downloaded, stored, studied, and analyzed. We are one step closer to having such a tool.

In this study, a group of researchers took a look at the disabled list kept on all players by the two major league baseball organizations: the American League and the National League. Data was extracted from the 2002 season through the 2008 season.

To be on the disabled list, players must have a specific diagnosis made by the team doctor. The physician must certify that the player cannot play for a minimum of 15 days. Players can certainly stay on the disabled list for more than 15 days if necessary. The extended time is often needed when there is a severe injury or more than one problem at the same time.

Data collected was broken up into different categories for ease of comparison. Area injured (by anatomical parts or zones) and injury type were recorded. Pitchers and fielders (nonpitchers) were analyzed separately. Players were assessed to see if they had more than one injury. Number of games played and number of seasons played were also noted.

After analyzing all the data there were no surprises. They discovered that pitchers are more likely to injure their shoulders/arms compared with outfielders who have more leg injuries. Practice injuries were highest during the preseason, probably due to deconditioning and overload. Rookies were more likely to injure themselves and take longer to recover (three weeks compared with three days for high-level players).

Injuries during games were far more likely during the first month of the season (April being the highest month of injuries). Injuries declined as the season went on with the lowest month being the last month of the season (September).

There was no difference in number or type of injuries based on whether the player was in the National or American League. In both groups, half of all injuries involved the upper extremity (arm). One-third affected the lower extremity (leg). And the remaining were injuries to the trunk and/or spine.

The overall rate of injury climbed 37 per cent from year-to-year starting in 2005 and ending with 2008 (when the study ended). The reason for this last finding is unknown but there is some speculation that it may have to do with the change in drug testing. Just before the 2006 season, drug surveillance increased and was more strictly enforced.

In summary, studies show that the number and severity of sports-related injuries is on the rise especially in baseball. Time lost from participation in the preseason and season games is significant at the collegial and professional levels.

Creating a national database to track injuries and results may help direct future studies. The authors suggest a tool for collecting data that includes injuries that are not severe enough to bench the player on the disability list. Less severe and even minor injuries among league ball players can still have a significant effect. The goal is to prevent injuries and develop better, faster rehab programs to foster recovery when injuries do occur.