This is Scientific Americans 60 Second Science.

I'm Steve Mursky.

Got a minute?

I've been given an opportunity as one of the only players,

the only one at night right now

to be inducted in the Hall of Fame with

Tommy John surgery. The great Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smolt said his

induction ceremony in Cooperstown, New York yesterday, July 26th. He was 34 when he had the procedure in which a damaged

ulnar collateral ligament in the arm is replaced by a tendon from

another part of the body. It's an epidemic. It's something that is affecting our game.

It's something that I thought would cost me my career, but thanks to Dr. James Andrews and all

those before him, performing the surgery with such precision has caused it to be almost a false read like a

bandaid you put on your arm. I want to encourage the families and parents that are

out there to understand this is not normal to have a surgery at 14 and 15 years old.

Smoltz then talked about why he thinks so many kids and early career pros wind up needing Tommy

John surgery.

Every throw a kid makes today is a competitive pitch.

They don't go outside.

They don't have fun.

They don't throw enough.

But they're competing and maxing out too hard too early and that's why we're having these problems so please take care

of those great future arms and for any parents considering elective Tommy John

...