Maddi Lenard: RHP Member of Australian Women's National Team, 2012, 2014 World Cup

 

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

I had success throwing over the top at a club and state level but as my height my coaches didn't think I'd get success moving forward and higher in the women's baseball ladder. When I was 14 I had a discussion with a few coaches who thought I would have success from throwing side arm. I weighed up my choices and decided to go with it. In just 8 months I had trained and worked hard to successfully make the Women's Australian team as the youngest girl ever at 15. 

 

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

 

The advantage I have throwing side arm is that I'm the only women's player who throws from that angle, which helps me compete and know one has seen it before or very often. 

 

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

I believe I would have had the success as a club and state player but I believe if I hadn't of went to side arm I would never of made the Australian team. 

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

I would tell them that if they know the mechanics and work hard. They can do anything with it. I would explain my story and share my success. 

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

I would tell them the mechanical tips that work for me but also explain that everyone is different and what works for me may not work for them. 

6. What pitches do you throw?

I throw a fastball(sinker), slider and change up. 

7. How do you pitch to lefties/righties?

Depending on the situation of the game and the hitter.
But mostly what works for me for a rightie is going in side low in the zone with my fastball(sinker), which usually ends up in a ground ball or Pop up. I then work the out side half of the zone with my slider.
Lefties I work the opposite so fastball(sinker) inside and outside. I then revert to my slider mostly out side half the plate but depends on the hitter I will go inside as well.

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

My favourite thing about throwing side arm is that I have a lot of success and I'm unique in women's baseball being the only one who throws from the side.