By John Erardi
The Cincinnati Enquirer

YOUNG ARMS

• Over-the-top pitching throws off young arms • Case studies • Every player under count • Decision protects son's arm • Coach K's 10 tips • Knuckle curve easier on the wrist • Q&A: Dr. Timothy Kremchek • Q&A: Larry Redwine • Q&A: Ted Power • Fast facts

Dr. Tim Kremchek's son, Teddy, just turned 10 in March and wanted to play select baseball this spring and summer. His old man wouldn't let him.

" 'Maybe later; not this year. I don't think you're old enough for it yet,' " Kremchek told him.

Kremchek has seen too many inflamed elbows and shoulders to want his son to wind up with one at this age. It wasn't something Teddy fully understood, but he accepted it.

"I see so many of these kids who become run-down at the end of the year and get hurt," Kremchek said. "Teddy wanted to play, and deep down, I wanted him to play select, too.

"I wanted him to have the competition; I wanted to go to the games. But I wasn't ready for him to get hurt. Teddy won't completely understand this until he grows up. And I hope he never understands it because he's had an injury."