Is a side arm pitcher over looked over a fast pitcher? Don’t batters have to work a little harder to adjust to side arm pitcher?
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I'm not sure I agree with the implicit premise in your question, that is, that side-arm pitchers are not fast pitchers.
Walter "Big Train" Johnson was a pure side-armer who was considered to be the fastest pitcher of his generation--he lasted for 20+ years and won more than 400 games, primarily with his fastball.
Dennis Eckersley pitched side-arm and he got it up there pretty quick, too.
If you look at frontal pictures of Randy Johnson, taken at his release point, I'd call him a side-armer, too, and nobody would say RJ lacks zip on his FB.
I think the velocity of submarine-style pitchers might be mechanically limited somewhat but I wouldn't put side-armers and submarine pitchers into the same bucket.
Side-armers might be disadvantaged somewhat at lower levels of baseball because their mechanics tend to stick out from the rest--and some coaches automatically seem to think that is "bad" for some reason.
My kid is a side-armer so he has heard this guff but, a really good coach told him a long time ago to stick with the side-arm style he is comfortable with and to develop sound mechanics that support that style of delivery.
He's doing fine--just had an outstanding showing in December at a USC prospect camp where, as a 14 yo, he pitched very well against mostly junior and senior-level HS hitters.
If you have developed a comfortable side-arm pitching delivery that is effective for you, I wouldn't advise you to compromise on that. Instead, make sure you are a mechanically sound side-armer and show your coaches that you can get the job done.
Walter "Big Train" Johnson was a pure side-armer who was considered to be the fastest pitcher of his generation--he lasted for 20+ years and won more than 400 games, primarily with his fastball.
Dennis Eckersley pitched side-arm and he got it up there pretty quick, too.
If you look at frontal pictures of Randy Johnson, taken at his release point, I'd call him a side-armer, too, and nobody would say RJ lacks zip on his FB.
I think the velocity of submarine-style pitchers might be mechanically limited somewhat but I wouldn't put side-armers and submarine pitchers into the same bucket.
Side-armers might be disadvantaged somewhat at lower levels of baseball because their mechanics tend to stick out from the rest--and some coaches automatically seem to think that is "bad" for some reason.
My kid is a side-armer so he has heard this guff but, a really good coach told him a long time ago to stick with the side-arm style he is comfortable with and to develop sound mechanics that support that style of delivery.
He's doing fine--just had an outstanding showing in December at a USC prospect camp where, as a 14 yo, he pitched very well against mostly junior and senior-level HS hitters.
If you have developed a comfortable side-arm pitching delivery that is effective for you, I wouldn't advise you to compromise on that. Instead, make sure you are a mechanically sound side-armer and show your coaches that you can get the job done.
I've been thinking something similar on this question since it was put up as well, just couldn't figure out exactly how to approach it. My son is a 15 yr. old freshman throwing with a low 3/4 slot which could be considered side arm. He is throwing low to mid 80's. I wouldn't consider that slow. The advantage to throwing from a low slot is that you get more movement on the ball. My son's pitching coach was a submariner in the pros. He threw upper 80's to low 90's.
Point is, just because you throw from a low arm slot doesn't mean you can't improve your velocity. Also, if you can hit your spots and change speeds you can be effective. You didn't mention what age pitcher you are talking about, but I would think at least through HS, if you get outs, you will get the opportunity to play.
Point is, just because you throw from a low arm slot doesn't mean you can't improve your velocity. Also, if you can hit your spots and change speeds you can be effective. You didn't mention what age pitcher you are talking about, but I would think at least through HS, if you get outs, you will get the opportunity to play.
Son's varsity squad has a side-armer. Son says he's pretty good, and has decent velo.
Son is a 15-yr-old freshman with 3/4 arm slot throwing low to mid 80s. There were times when his comp-league coaches would try and get him to throw "over-the-top". That's not his normal mechanics. Current HS pitching coach (22 years in MLB and a WS ring) loves his mechanics, control, and velocity.
As has been stated, the biggest thing is sound mechanics (for the pitcher's body and style) and control. As long as the risk of injury is minimized, and the pitcher is successful, I don't see why he wouldn't be looked at alongside a 3/4 thrower, or an over-the-top type. jmho
Son is a 15-yr-old freshman with 3/4 arm slot throwing low to mid 80s. There were times when his comp-league coaches would try and get him to throw "over-the-top". That's not his normal mechanics. Current HS pitching coach (22 years in MLB and a WS ring) loves his mechanics, control, and velocity.
As has been stated, the biggest thing is sound mechanics (for the pitcher's body and style) and control. As long as the risk of injury is minimized, and the pitcher is successful, I don't see why he wouldn't be looked at alongside a 3/4 thrower, or an over-the-top type. jmho
Yes my son is 15 yr. old freshman he is throwing from submarine to regular slot to change pitches but he feels more comfortable in the ¾ slot but is not extending his arm. Coaches tell me this is bad.
Freshman throwing in the low to mid 80's is impressive.
quote:Originally posted by dad43:
Freshman throwing in the low to mid 80's is impressive.
Ask Dad-7...
Maybe for some. My son gunned on a Juggs and a Stalker. Wouldn't say it unless it was factual. He is a starting Varsity pitcher this year as a freshman. Unless you think he is actually less than that being this is his dad saying it.
BOF,
That is usually the case. However, I have never gunned him. That was the speed listed by his coaches.
I'm figuring 76-79 tops
. I know, true pitcher's dad.
That is usually the case. However, I have never gunned him. That was the speed listed by his coaches.
I'm figuring 76-79 tops
. I know, true pitcher's dad.
Just as an update:
Assistant Varsity coach texts 27 with the following:
Cruising at 81-83, fastest thus far is 85.
Again, those are the coach's readings. I don't own a radar gun and have never gunned 27.
Assistant Varsity coach texts 27 with the following:
Cruising at 81-83, fastest thus far is 85.
Again, those are the coach's readings. I don't own a radar gun and have never gunned 27.
