Yukinaga Maeda: Former LHP-Japanese league, AAA Rangers

 

 

 

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

The reason why I got to drop down is because I couldn't strike out the batters and do good enough performing for my team with my skills. 

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

The reason why I decided to throwing sidearm is in 2006 my head coach told me to do that. I didint wanna throw sidearms but In Japan , we have to do what he says otherwise he would not use me in games. 

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

I don't think I would had the same success. I couldn't strike them out.
But I think I had the amazing experiences because I could be part of the pro team for 20years and it was my goal that I aimed for since I was little so I don't regret i retired.

 

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

If someone is thinking about changing arm angles and stuff i would tell him that trying is good as long as you strikeout the batters. So what I'm trying to say is that the form is important but striking out the batters is more important no matter how you throw or how you change the angles or whatever, just remember what you really have to do.

 

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

These no such mechanical tips as I said for the last question the most important thing is striking out the batters just practice. ???? 

6. What pitches did you throw?

it was cut fast ball ,cutter , curve ball, slider , knuckle, forkballs, change up, change and sinker velocity..  the fastest pitch i ever thrown was 92miles bun on average 88-89miles. 

 7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?

I'm a left handed pitcher so to lefters i was kinda like let them swing to like escape ? Haha to strikeout
to righters , i threw breaking balls especially that goes lower positions such as forkballs. Of course it depends on the batters though !


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

 my favorite part of being a pro baseball player, was the more I did good job the more I got a raise !! and in the off-season I could eat whatever I want and did whatever I wanted to do like golf ????