Push Through or Speak Up? What Every Pitcher Needs to Know About Pain, Pressure, and Protecting Their Career
When former college pitcher Brannon Snead felt something shift in his elbow mid-bullpen, he made a call many athletes avoid—he spoke up. In this blog, we break down why recognizing the difference between normal soreness and real injury is critical, how pressure from coaches can cloud judgment, and why speaking up is often the smartest move an athlete can make. This is a must-read for players, coaches, and parents who want to protect long-term health and career potential.
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When “Toughness” Becomes a Risk
For Brannon Snead, a former college pitcher, the warning sign wasn’t dramatic—but it was decisive.
“I threw one pitch that felt off. Then another—it was way outside the zone. That’s not normal for me.”
The pressure to keep going was real. His coach wanted him to stay on the mound. But Brannon made a choice many young players avoid—he stepped off and said, “I’m done.”
Have you ever felt pressure to keep going—even when your body was telling you to stop? What made you speak up (or stay silent)? How did it turn out?
Your story might help another player realize they’re not alone. Share it in the comments in the video
“That Was the First Time I’d Ever Had Pain”
Brannon had never missed time. Never dealt with injury. Never even been sore. So when something suddenly felt wrong, it wasn’t just physical—it was mental.
“To hear I had a tear hit hard. I didn’t know how to process that. I’d always just thrown. And now I couldn’t.”
For many athletes, the hardest part of injury is the unknown—especially if it’s the first time. The body hurts, but so does the identity shift that comes with it.
When Speaking Up Is the Smartest Move
Brannon’s story is a reminder that pushing through pain can lead to bigger problems. He could’ve kept going. He could’ve stayed silent.
But that choice could’ve cost him everything.
Instead, he got checked out by Dr. Steve Jordan—one of the top elbow surgeons in the country—and started down the right path before things got worse.
Key Takeaways
✅ Loss of command can signal something serious
✅ Soreness fades—injury doesn’t
✅ Speaking up is maturity, not weakness
✅ Knowing your body is a competitive edge
✅ Early action protects long-term potential
How Sore to Soaring Builds Smarter Athletes
At Sore to Soaring, we help athletes develop more than just velocity and strength—we teach decision-making, self-awareness, and recovery skills.
Our programs show players how to: – Identify early signs of injury
– Track throwing patterns and pain levels
– Communicate with coaches and trainers
– Protect their arm without sacrificing their future
We don’t just coach performance—we coach perspective.
Support our mission at:
www.SoreToSoaring.org
Watch Brannon Snead’s injury story on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/DeRstECnsQ8
Disclaimer:
This episode is for informational purposes only. Any mention of a company, product, or business does not constitute an endorsement by Sore to Soaring. Always consult with a qualified physician or healthcare professional before beginning any training program, implementing injury prevention techniques, or making medical decisions related to your health or performance.
Have You Faced This Decision Before?
Tell us: Did you ever try to push through pain and regret it—or speak up and avoid a bigger setback? Drop your experience in the comments. It might help another athlete make the right call.
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