Ryan Speier: Former MLB pitcher Colorado Rockies, Japan

 

 

1. Could you tell us your story on dropping down?

I was a junior in high school when I dropped my arm angle. I had given up 3 homeruns in one inning throwing over the top and decided (with some encouragement from my coach) that a change was in order. I took to the sidearm delivery almost immediately.

 

2. What are some of the advantages you had from your arm angle?

I think anything you can do to disrupt a hitter's comfort level goes to your advantage. An unorthodox delivery does that for me.

 

3. If you didn't drop down, do you think you would have had the same success?

No question I would have been out of baseball a long time ago if I hadn't dropped down. Having a 'gimmick' has opened up many doors for me.

 

4. What would you tell someone debating on changing their arm angle?

I would encourage it, no matter who the pitcher is. Anything you are able to add to your pitching repertoire just gives you an extra tool to get hitters out. Getting outs are hard enough as-is.

 

5. Are there any mechanical tips that you'd give to someone throwing sidearm/submarine?

I think the best advice I could give a pitcher, sidearm/submarine, or otherwise, would be to find a repeatable delivery that is comfortable for them. Where that arm angle is and how that delivery goes is will vary from pitcher to pitcher, but being able to repeat it is the most important thing in my opinion.

 

6. What pitches did you throw?

Sinker, slider, change-up.

 

7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?

Unless a hitter has a glaring weakness, I try to stick to my strengths. I'm not going to miss too many bats, so what I try to do is miss the fat part of the bat. I try to throw pitches with some movement, down in the zone, and try to force weak contact early in the count - no matter if the hitter is lefty or righty.

 

8. Lastly what was your favorite part about pitching from down there?

to show the hitters something different than what they've seen all game from the starting pitcher. That's my favorite part of being sidearm - it differs from most starters.