Hi Everyone,

Craig here — founder of ThumbPRO®. First off, thank you. We’re gaining real momentum. Over 279 people have signed the petition calling on Little League to reverse its ban on thumb guards — and we’re pushing hard to hit 300 and beyond.

But we can’t stop now. Little League needs to hear from every single one of us — parents, players, coaches, and fans of the game. That’s how we make change.

A published medical case study followed two professional baseball players who suffered adductor pollicis jamming injuries — painful tears in the thumb muscle responsible for grip strength, control, and stability.

Both injuries occurred during a late swing on an inside pitch — the kind of event that happens thousands of times a season, at all levels of the game. Doctors noted swelling, tendon damage, and in one case, surgery and months of recovery.

The injury was caused by a sudden force transmitted through the bat into the thumb — a jamming mechanism that forced the thumb into unnatural abduction while trying to stay in a strong hitting position.

And it’s not just professional players getting jammed. Youth players face this too — and when they do, it’s not just an injury risk. It shakes their confidence at the plate. A jammed swing hurts, physically and mentally. Players start to flinch, hold back, or even fear stepping in to hit.

That’s why it’s so baffling — and concerning — that Little League has banned thumb guards, a simple piece of gear designed to protect this exact muscle from these exact forces.

So, what's up with Little League? Kids are being denied safety gear and the right to protect themselves — from a known possible hand injury at bat.

So we ask: Why has Little League suddenly taken away protection from the athletes? This is inane and does a disservice to every Little League player.

This is about youth safety, choice, and common sense.

✊ Here’s how you can help:
📣 Contact Little League International
📞 Phone: (570) 326-1921
📠 Fax: (570) 326-1074
📧 Email: support@littleleague.org
🌐 Website: littleleague.org​

Little League International Headquarters
539 US Route 15 Hwy
P.O. Box 3485
Williamsport, PA 17701-0485

📣 Contact Your Local or Regional Little League Office
Whether you're in the East or West, your regional office needs to hear from you too:

East Region – eastregion@littleleague.org
Central Region – centralregion@littleleague.org
Southeast Region – seregion@littleleague.org
Southwest Region – swregion@littleleague.org
West Region – westregion@littleleague.org
International Region – intlregion@littleleague.org

Ask your league’s board, safety officer, and coaches:
➤ Why was this safety gear banned?
➤ What data supports removing protective equipment from kids?
➤ Will they stand with families and advocate for player safety?

🖊️ Sign and Share the Petition

📲 Post on Social Media
Tell your story, tag @LittleLeague, and use #LetKidsChooseSafety
The more people who speak up, the harder this is to ignore.

🗞️ Contact Local Media
Let your voice be heard. Share what this ban means for your child and your community.

📤 Forward this update
Send it to your league, fellow parents, coaches, and anyone who cares about kids staying safe and confident on the field.

Let’s make sure every Little Leaguer has a chance to play hard, swing free, and stay protected at the plate.

Thanks again for standing up,
– Craig
Founder, ThumbPRO®

Source: Altobelli GG, Ruchelsman DE, Belsky MR, et al. Adductor pollicis jamming injuries in the professional baseball player: 2 case reports. J Hand Surg Am. 2013;38(6):1181–1184. doi:10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.03.042