Pitch Counts and Rest Days by Age: A Parent's Guide to Pitch Smart
Pitch Smart is the set of workload guidelines published by MLB and USA Baseball. They are the standard most leagues and doctors point to. They are also widely ignored, which is why a parent needs to know them.
The limits
Pitch Smart sets a daily maximum by age and a required number of rest days based on how many pitches were thrown. From the official guidelines:
Daily maximums
- Ages 7–8: 50 pitches
- Ages 9–10: 75 pitches
- Ages 11–12: 85 pitches
- Ages 15–16: 95 pitches
The limits for ages 13–14 and 17–18 are on the same chart; check it for your pitcher's exact age.
Rest days, ages 14 and under
- 1–20 pitches: no rest day required
- 21–35: one day
- 36–50: two days
- 51–65: three days
- 66 or more: four days
Rest days, ages 15–18
- 1–30 pitches: no rest day required
- 31–45: one day
- 46–60: two days
- 61–75: three days
- 76 or more: four days
At every age, a pitcher should not appear in games on three consecutive days, whatever the counts.
The rules beyond the counts
The guidelines also say to:
- Avoid pitching for more than one team at a time
- Avoid catching on days you are not pitching, since a catcher makes as many throws as the pitcher
- Not pitch in more than one game on the same day
- Take extended time off from throwing every year
Why this lands on parents
A study of 100 youth tournament teams found that more than 90% of teams broke the guidelines, and nearly half of all pitchers were affected. Weekend tournaments that stack games are the usual cause.
Coaches on different teams rarely talk to each other. A school coach does not know what the travel coach asked for on Sunday. The only people who see the full picture are the pitcher and his parents.
What to do
- Keep a running count yourself. A note on your phone is enough.
- Count across every team, plus lessons and showcases.
- Tell coaches the number and the date of the last outing before each weekend.
- Be willing to say no. A missed inning in a 14U tournament costs nothing compared with a missed season.
Pitch counts manage fatigue, and fatigue is when arms get hurt. They work alongside strength training and a real off-season, not in place of them.
This article is general information, not medical advice. See a doctor or physical therapist about pain or injury, and check with a qualified professional before starting a new training program.