Geoff Freeborn: LHP former pro, Team Canada, Team Great Britain - Current University of Calgary Head Coach

 

 

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

In my sophomore year of college I was topping out at 88-90 but then my senior year only 85mph and that was giving everything I had and it hurt a lot! During my first season of Indy ball, I was struggling during the first half of the season with my ERA hovering around 6.50. Before batting practice of the first game of the second half, my manager called me into his office, I thought I was getting cut. He asked if I ever thought about dropping my arm angle, basically in a nice way said I need to or else I'm getting released! So went to outfield to work on it and threw a bullpen from down under, instantly felt better on my arm. That night I was thrown into a tie ball game and got my first ever pro win, it was a pretty crazy turnaround.

 

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

I had a big advantage pitching to left-handed hitters. Before dropped down, don't think I was anything special in regards to the lefty-lefty match-up, but definitely made a difference dropping down.I did have some success over the top, made Canadian Junior National team over the top but at same time never got drafted from over the top. I definitely prefered throwing 85-86 from down under then over the top! Who knows if dropped down earlier say in college might have helped chances, stick out a little more.

 

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

I did have some success over the top, made Canadian Junior National team over the top but at same time never got drafted from over the top. I definitely prefered throwing 85-86 from down under then over the top! Who knows if dropped down earlier say in college might have helped chances, stick out a little more.

 

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

I would say if going to drop down you really need to fully commit to it. Need to realize there is a reason for the change and who knows could make a huge difference in your baseball career. You also have to realize your days as a starter are pretty much over. One negative thing about dropping down, you kind of get stereo-typed as you can just be a reliever. Or even myself that I could just get left-handed hitters out, when I still could get righties out too.

 

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

The mental picture I liked to use was to really make sure you are relaxed and feel like a whip when throw sidearm. Especially on the slider, found to get that really good "frisbee slider" wouldn't work if didn't whip through the ball.

 

6. What pitches did you throw?

I threw fastball, slider, change.

 

7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?

Lefties- I liked to attach them early with the fastball, then finish them with the slider.
Righties- I would usually go away, away, but still came in once and awhile but you really have to make sure you get it in with the movement on the ball. Knew my slider was working when was able to get righties out with it.

 

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

My favorite part was that it was just different. When you start to warm up in the pen, fans would start to notice how you throw. Then come into the game and really get their attention.