5 Softball or Baseball Stretches for Every Summer League Player

It’s almost summer! That means baseball season is upon us!

Few things in life go better than baseball, hot dogs, and summertime. No matter if you plan to spend your afternoons in the bleachers or on the field, a great time will be had by all.

Before the first pitch is thrown, you’d better make sure to do some baseball stretches. After all, this is a physically demanding sport and it’s easy to get hurt.

In this article, we take a look at 5 stretches to help get you ready to play your best. Keep reading to see some tips that can help prevent common sports injuries.

1. Overhead All-Angles Raises

The first stretch we need to discuss is overhead all-angles raises. This one is great for developing strong shoulders blades. Simply hold small weights in each hand and extend your arms out straight at your sides. Then raise your arms out to shoulder level, hold for a beat, and lower them.

If you’ve been wanting to improve your baseball swing, see this list of pitching machines to decide which one is best for you.

2. Leg Swings

Another super simple stretching exercise, legs swings are effective at helping to prevent common leg injuries. 

Find a place where you can stand up straight and hold onto something to steady yourself. Now slowly kick your right leg out in front of you, allowing gravity to slowly bring it back down.

Alternate between right and left for 20 reps. 

3. Hamstring Stretch

For this one, lie on your back with your legs out flat. Now lift one leg into the air, forming a 90-degree angle with the ground.

Gently pull the leg toward your chest to complete the stretch and hold for 15-20 seconds. Pull gently at first until you can feel it loosening up.

Again, alternate legs for about 5 sets.

4. Blackburns

Lie flat on the ground on your stomach, placing your arms out in the Y position. Now perform isometric holds, alternating your arms from the Y position, to the T position, and the L position. 

Try to hold for 6 seconds in each position, lower for 1, and then repeat.

This stretch is great because it’s tough and really produces amazing results.

5. Elbow-Out Rotator Stretch

Here’s another simple one to finish out the 5 stretches on our list.

The elbow-out rotator stretch is perfect for warming up your elbows. Simply stand with your hand behind the middle of your back, with your elbow pointing outward. Now reach over with the other hand and gently pull the first elbow forward.

It’s really doesn’t get more simple than that. Deceptively simple, yet extremely effective.

The Best Baseball Stretches for Warming Up

It’s important to remember to never underestimate that value of limbering up before a game. Otherwise, you’ll run the risk of pulling a muscle or worse. 

Each of these baseball stretches is easy, doesn’t require any expensive equipment, and takes only a few minutes. Anyone can do them, regardless of age. And these simple exercises can make the difference between having a great game or getting injured.

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