As a coach it is our responsibility to teach sports safety. Many experts say it is the number one responsibility of any reputable baseball coach. Players need to learn to practice good safety in every sport. Baseball and softball injuries are preventable. Baseball and softball is among the most popular sport in the United States. In the United States there are over 6 million kids from the ages under 14 playing organized baseball and softball. There are three times that playing the game recreationally. In 2005 there were an estimate of 175,000 kids treated in hospital emergency rooms for baseball and softball related injuries.

Baseball pitching machines are very safe products to use. Proper use is the right thing to do. I have been to many of practices and watch untrained coaches and players use equipment and get hurt. Here are 5 key tips to reduce of chance of injury when using a pitching machine.

1. Make sure that an adult is always presentwhile at the batting cages. There is something to be said about good adult supervision. We as adults are supposed to be older and wiser. We can all remember what it was like to be young. As children we feared nothing. Coaches and parents look for hidden dangers. If you see something, point it out to the player. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

2. Batting helmets are a must. Batting helmets offer great protection to[/spin lessen the chance of head or facial injuries. Please make sure that the helmet properly fits each player. Chin straps are good to keep have shown to prevent facial injuries.

3. Dry baseballs are also a key for a pitching machine. Balls that become wet by rain or the morning dew can play havoc. Wild pitches are soon to follow. Use proper care of the pitching machine. Always use dry baseballs. Keep mind that a good solution is pitching machine baseballs. They are designed not to absorb moisture. The pitching machine baseballs will give a batter a great pitch every time.

4. Make sure a player uses common sense. Have the player focused. Teach the player on what to do if there is a wild pitch. Teach the player how to move properly out of the way of a wild pitch.

5. Have a plan. Make sure you know what to do if an injury occurs. Have a properly stocked first aid kit and know what to do in case of an emergency.

I only bring this up because I have seen it happen. I was watching an away game and a young athlete was getting loose in a batting cage, not paying attention and he got hit in the face high on his cheekbone. I know that it could have been prevented if only proper precautions would have been taken. No matter what the age of the athlete is, stay out of the hospital emergency room and stay on the diamond. Always pitch safety first.