Joe Paterson: Former LHP Arizona Diamondbacks

 

 

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

Guess it just kind of came natural to me. In 8th grade I broke my left scapula and ended up having shoulder surgery my sophomore year in high school. My freshmen year in college, my coach tried to get me to raise my arm angle and felt like I was throwing over the top until I saw video of myself throwing sidearm.

 

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

I guess when you miss, you miss down. Also with my arm angle it is difficult for lefties to pick up.

 

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

Tough to tell, last time was clocked over the top was long time ago and was like 71mph but I always had a really good 12-6 curveball. So who knows maybe I could have been more of a starter.

 

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

Not to sure, guess cause my sidearm just happened naturally.

 

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

Really it's the same stuff you have always learned, just throwing from a different arm angle. For me I make sure everything is towards home plate.

 

6. What pitches did you throw?

Fastball, slider, changeup...with throwing sidearm you do lose velocity. For me to be successful I need to be a close to perfection as I can. Obviously that can never happen but just try to make the best pitches I can and hit my spots.

 

7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?

Lefty/righties...leftys..mix it up but usually a good amount of sliders...righties...I am just looking for bad contact and really happy if they swing at the first pitch. Overall don't have specific game plan but if seen a hitter a few times you get an idea after a few at bats if comfortable against you or not.

 

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

kids are able to remember who I am cause throw sidearm. The motion kind of sticks out in their heads and able to get recognized for that.