Overall, I liked the book The Arm by Jeff Passan. The author provides a comprehensive account of the journey from a blown UCL to rehabilitation and the triumphant return to the mound. The book successfully conveys the primitive understanding we have of the throwing motion and its profound impact on the body’s biology. It’s an informative read for parents concerned about their children’s well-being in the world of baseball and for anyone eager to delve into pitching biomechanics, even though it was written seven years ago.
One of the book’s strong points is the author’s generous use of examples, which helps readers visualize the process. The journey is vividly portrayed, making it easy to empathize with the challenges faced by pitchers. I’d recommend taking a few minutes a look up on youtube a video on “Tommy John Surgery” — it helps with the visualization of much of the descriptions.
However, a minor criticism lies in the author’s downplaying or total avoidance of natural healing methods. While he acknowledges the efficacy of blood platelet therapy, and does highlight a couple instances when someone did not undergo surgery, there’s an evident absence of discussion about the role of proper nutrition, low level laser therapy, and alternative bodywork in the recovery process. This one-sided perspective limits the book’s holistic approach to injury management. I do appreciate he is focusing on peer reviewed research, but only in a certain medical lane.
Furthermore, the author’s dismissive attitude toward certain alternative medical practices, like the suggestion that scoliosis may negatively affect biomechanics, is regrettable. While some ideas might sound unconventional, it’s crucial to recognize that there’s a body of peer-reviewed research supporting unconventional approaches that the author labels as “quackery.”
Another comment that hasn’t aged well, in my opinion, is the author’s comparison of certain viewpoints to those who consider opposition to vaccination as well as some holistic approaches as ‘quackery’ and moronic thinking. It’s reasonable to present both sides of a controversial issue, but the author’s apparent medical bias hampers his ability to view these topics objectively. I do not think he believes there is any controversy.
In conclusion, “The Arm” is a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the intricate world of baseball, especially the biomechanics of pitching. However, readers should approach the book with an awareness of the author’s biases and consider seeking additional resources for a more balanced perspective on injury management. Despite these criticisms, the book’s core content remains informative and relevant in 2023, making it a worthwhile read for baseball enthusiasts and aspiring pitchers.
The narration by Kevin Pierce delivers a great performance. Easy to listen to, good voice inflection. I do wonder on some phrases, specifically when author quotes an individual whether the narration conveys the tone intended. But, that is being picky and his voice is great for non-fiction material.