Sean Buller: Former LHP AAA Tigers

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

I had an arm injury in 2001 with the Detroit Tigers.  I had surgery and had over a year of rehabilitation.  In 2003, I re-injured throwing for the Boston Red Sox.  I was told I would never throw again.  Fast forward to 2006, I was messing around and threw some rocks from below shoulder level and it did not hurt.  So I took the next year to learn how tor pitch from down below and signed with the Long Beach Armada (Independent) in 2007 and continued to pitch with them until they folded after the 2009 season.

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

The biggest advantage to dropping down was the movement.  I was a heavy sinker ball pitcher that threw primarily 90% sinkers from that arm slot.  Every hitter knew what was coming but I was able to be successful due to its sink.  The other advantage was my arm did not hurt anymore and I was pitching again.

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

 If I had not dropped down, I would not have been able to pitch again.

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

I would say "pretend you are chucking a rock for your dinner for survival.  How would you throw it with the best accuracy and most force behind it?  Whatever slot that is, throw from it."  (Jeff McKay, Head Baseball Coach Corban University).

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

A side arm pitcher must let the arm work how it needs to work.  It cannot be forced.

6. What pitches did you throw?

 Sinker, Slider, Change-up.

7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?

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

Hearing opponents say 2 things:  "I knew what was coming and still could not pick it up or hit it".  "I would much rather face the closer (who threw 95mph straight over the top) than have to face you and your stuff".