Glenn Dooner: Former AAA RHP pitcher several teams

 

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

In High School, I was over the top, knew if I was going to play college baseball had to make some changes. Marcel Lachemann who was the pitching coach for the Single A team in my hometown, suggested I try throwing sidearm and worked with me. I tried out for the Palm Beach Community College team but didn't make it. They already had their scholarship guys and weren't going to take any walk-on players. In my second year, I tried out again and once again got cut but got invited to a tryout with the Expos. They liked me and kept me around for extended spring training and made a rookie ball team that year after getting cut from Community College team.

 

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

Movement is the key, my ball really moved into righties, down and in. Only threw in the low 80's but was told I threw a really heavy ball and broke a lot of bats.

 

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

No way, no chance.

 

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

I would say if you need an edge to get to that next level then why not, it makes sense. I threw a lot of innings for my High School team during my Senior year but knew wasn't going to play college baseball if didn't change.

 

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

One of the things I have to constantly remind myself, is to keep my wrist loose on the release. Also to really drive down with my left shoulder towards home plate, instead of staying tall. Also important to really reach out there and finish the pitch.

 

6. What pitches did you throw?

I threw a sinker, which I was able to throw in and out really well. A slurve, my arm slot was a little higher for that pitch. Knuckle-curve and change-up. For my change-up one thing I found helped me, was to keep the same arm speed as my fastball but didn't follow through with back leg. I would drag the back foot and leave it on rubber. Also important to really choke the ball with the change-up and roll the fingers over on the ball on the release.

 

7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?

For righties- I threw inside a lot and occaisionally go away. My sliders would be away, away. The best pitch they are gonna see is the first pitch. Lefties- I would be away, away..but have to keep them honest and come inside too. I threw the exact same slider to lefties as I did to righties. Also would throw a backdoor slider to them and freeze them. If the umpire is giving you that outside corner, keep going there and really see how much he is gonna give you, especially when facing the opposite batter, for me a lefty.

 

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

I like to have the ability to pull it out in a groundball situation and/or in the right count. Since only maybe 10% or so of pitchers actually throw with a lower arm slot pitch in a game, it keeps the batter off balance. The addition of another weapon like the lower arm angles has opened some big doors for me. With only 1 arm angle I truly don't think I would have the same accomplishments.