Will Locante: Former AA LHP Dbacks

 

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

 Ever since I started pitching, I was always told to be conventional and throw over the top. Very “iron mike-ish”. So thats what I did. Throwing this way did get me a scholarship to the University of Tennessee. But something told me I had more. Fast forward to professional baseball. One day, I was doing pick offs to first base and I threw one side armed. I just remember thinking “Wow. That came out firm…” I tried it out in my next side session and been throwing sidearm ever since!

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

For me being left handed, I think my arm angle causes a lot of deception to both lefties and righties. It is tough slot to pick up the ball in. It allows me to generate a significant amount of rotational force allowing for a sharp two seam and heavy slider.

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

No chance I would have had there same success. I don’t think it would’ve been possible to. Dropping down turned me from a pitcher to an athlete, if that makes sense. It allowed me to be more athletic on the mound and freed up my movement patterns to flow more smoothly. I don’t wish anything would be different. God works in mysterious ways sometimes and His timing  is perfect!

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

 I would tell someone to TRY IT! It can’t hurt! Obviously something isn’t working if you’re debating it! See how it feels. Mess around with it. It doesn’t have to be a significant drop, but sometimes several inches can make a world of difference. 

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

 I would just tell them to be athletic. Let your God given ability take over. Pitchers are athletes too! Mechanically, keep your head as still as possible and sling that rock as hard as you can!

6. What pitches do you throw?

I throw a 2 seam, slider, and a changeup. On a good day I can run it up to 95+. Ive touched 98 and 99 few times but not often. Slider usually is about 83-86. Changeup is anywhere between 82-84.

7. How do you pitch to lefties/righties?

 I pitch everyone pretty much the same. I throw what I want and when I want. The side the hitter is on doesn’t matter to me! Its just my job to get that guy out! You better believe he wants to hit one right back at me. I love throwing inside to both sides though. It helps to establish to what I think to be the most important side of the plate. Hitters hate pitchers throwing inside. 

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

 Throwing sidearm and slinging it just feels natural to me. It lets me feel athletic. I love playing long toss and just watching the tailing action the ball has from that slot. I get asked allot “Doesn’t it hurt to throw like that?” It may look like it does, but it feels a whole hell of a lot better than it did throwing over the top!