John Ogiltree: Former AA Toronto Blue Jays, Team Canada 2004 Olympics

 

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

It started in 2003 at a big league spring training game, when Gil Patterson the Blue Jays pitching coach at the time asked me if I could try it as I already had a sidearm throwing motion, I agreed and it went from there.

 

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

The advantages were the deception of the delivery, the movement on the fastball increased and not many guys can do it.

 

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

I am not sure if I would have had the same success, but I did well my first couple of years in pro ball and there I had my original sidearm slot. So it's hard to say.

 

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

On changing your arm slot, I would say it depends on where your at currently, if your successful at your current arm slot you should stick with it, if you continually have bad results or lack of good stuff when you pitch then you may want to consider a change. It's really up to the pitcher and his coaches on the decision to change, it can almost be a last option for a struggling pitcher.

 

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

Mechanically it's a huge change, the further you drop down the tougher it is. The best advice mechanically I can give without seeing a delivery is to keep it simple and to stay down on your delivery, don't pop up.

 

6. What pitches did you throw?

I threw a fastball, slider and change up.

 

7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?

Righties were a lot easier to pitch to for me being right handed, mostly sinker's in and slider's away. Lefties were more of a challenge, fastball's in and out, and then off speed away. The ball is much easier to see as a lefty facing a righty sidearm or submarine pitcher, because the ball is coming into them.

 

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

My favourite part about throwing side arm or submarine was the fact that not many people could do it, and guys hated facing me, and that felt good.