The Arm: Inside the Billion-Dollar Mystery of Sports' Most Valuable Commodity

Yahoo’s lead baseball columnist delves into the world of pitching arms, highlighting their immense value in sports and the devastating impact of injuries on players and the game, from Little League to the big leagues. Every year, Major League Baseball invests heavily in pitchers, with spending exceeding $1.5 billion—five times more than the combined salary of all NFL quarterbacks. Pitchers are the heart of the game, yet their vulnerability is a major concern.

The ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow is a crucial but fragile component, prone to unprecedented rates of injury. This has left current players at risk and young baseball enthusiasts wary of the dreaded Tommy John surgery. Jeff Passan embarked on a three-year journey to investigate the history, current challenges, and future implications of arm injuries in baseball. He delved into why the Chicago Cubs were willing to invest $155 million in a single arm, spoke with legendary pitcher Sandy Koufax about his career-ending injury, and explored Japan's approach to preserving the health of its pitchers.

Following the journeys of pitchers Daniel Hudson and Todd Coffey as they recovered from Tommy John surgery, Passan sheds light on how the baseball industry ignored the growing crisis of arm injuries and the barriers to implementing necessary changes. From Little League to the majors, UCL injuries are a pervasive issue that demands immediate attention. Failure to address this issue will result in significant financial losses for baseball and continued suffering for young players.

"The Arm" is an eye-opening and informative read for baseball enthusiasts, parents concerned about their children's health, and anyone interested in the inner workings of a struggling institution. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding the health and longevity of pitchers in the beloved sport.

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