Baseball/Softball are relatively low-energy–expenditure sport. Recommended intake is between 3 and 5 g/kg/d. Recommended intake is between 1.2 and 1.7 g/kg/d. Recommended intake is approximately 1.0 g/kg/d.
COMMON NUTRITIONAL CONCERNS
Weight Gain Professional players may skip meals and then overeat, consume excess alcohol, and eat high-calorie snacks such as sunfl ower seeds, during the game, all habits that can contribute to weight gain. Many overeat and reduce activity during the off -season.
Fluid Intake Baseball and soſt ball is oſt en played in hot, humid conditions and is one of the only sports without a time limit. Dehydration is a daily concern.
Pregame Meal Players oſt en arrive for games without having eaten and must eat food that is accessible, which is oſt en high in calories, fat, sugar, and salt. Minor league players have a limited budget and seek out inexpensive food, which is oſt en low in nutritional quality.
Postgame Meal Late-night eating, large postgame meals, and alcohol intake oſt en result in weight gain. Minor league and collegiate players typically eat fast food to break up long bus rides.
Frequent Travel Frequent travel makes it diffi cult to maintain a routine and increases exposure to high-calorie foods low in nutritional quality.