Brodie Downs
Former AAA Mariners, Mexico
1. Could you tell us your story on dropping down?
I have a very unusually story. I was drafted at 27 years old after I stopped playing after high school. I was a high 3/4 arm slot with good sink but was unable to be consistent. After 3 years I was broke and done. 2010 I opened a baseball academy and was teaching myself how to pitch. Dec of 2012 I wanted to play agian and knew I had to change myself. So like I did when I was 9 years old I dropped down agian.
2. What are some of the advantages you have from your arm angle?
Different then most pitchers, I never miss up unless I try. This is actually my natural motion so much easier for me to repeat. I feel my ball is a true sinker 12-6 not a 2- seamer all these pitchers now a day call a sinker. I was also able to keep my velo. 90-93
3. If you didn't drop down, do you think you would have had the same success?
No, I should have thrown this why my entire life. But it's not for everyone.
4. What would you tell someone debating on changing their arm angle?
I don't think it's something you choose. If you can't just pick up a ball and drop it and sling it, then it's not for you. I see many guys trying it and they are forcing the ball. That's how you get hurt I think. My arm is never sore. Loose and free .
5. Are there any mechanical tips that you'd give to someone throwing sidearm/submarine?
It's hard but the one I always argue with guys is pronation. Don't try to pronate the ball. You loose velocity and consistent. I turn the top of the ball into the bottom, I keep my fingers under the ball as long as I can and use a lot of finger action. Trying to create end over end rotation. Last thing is direction and hip travel. You can't fall back or to first after you throw baseball.
6. What pitches do you throw?
Sinker, Slider, split finger chg at times. Seldom need it.
7. How do you pitch to lefties/righties?
This was hard at first because it was just in my head. If you have a good sinker, trust it and get ahead you will be fine. Keep making pitches but you have to be able to throw the ball in for strikes to lefties. Back door sliders at times but I make lefties and rights beat me with my best pitch. Power sinker LOCATED.
8. Lastly what was your favorite part about pitching from down there?
People freak out when they see how hard I throw from down here and I can pitch everyday. In Atlantic league this year I threw 60 inn in 3 months. Last thing that is great if you are locating your sinker with downward movement you can tell hitters it's coming and you will still get more outs then hits. Hitters hate us.