Cla Meredith
Former MLB pitcher - Red Sox, Padres, Orioles
1. Could you tell us your story on dropping down?
I dropped down mostly cause i had the natural ability to do so...i was blessed with a strong arm and i wanted to look like the big leaguers when i was young playing the infield, slinging it across the diamond. i was able transfer that ability to the mound, i then realized the ball had natural sink and things took off from there...
2. What are some of the advantages you had from your arm angle?
Advantages-movement, sink, ball has late life in the strike zone inducing poor contact, high ground ball percentage, deception, hitters dont see it often-ive heard from some that the delivery makes for an uncomfortable at bat.
3. If you didn't drop down, do you think you would have had the same success?
I would not have had the same success had i personally not dropped down, i believe i could have been a solid college performer, however i have little that would set me apart aside from that sidearm sinker
4. What would you tell someone debating on changing their arm angle?
No Answer
5. Are there any mechanical tips that you'd give to someone throwing sidearm/submarine?
No Answer
6. What pitches did you throw?
I have exclusively thrown 2 seam fast balls, or "sinkers" in my career coupled with a slider. I have had success at times with a change up but have never found it to be comfortable nor do i have the same confidence in the pitch. i stick to a simple plan my daddy taught me, dont get beat on your third best pitch!!!
7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?
I attack righties and lefties very similar...right handers see a mix of sinkers and sliders, i want contact early in the count most times therefore im throwing 75% first/second pitch sinkers, sliders are usually used ahead in the count and as an OUT pitch. i dont try to trick hitters, i just try to execute and let the chips fall where they may. i tend to stay away from lefties with my sinker looking for pull happy hitters to beat balls in the ground, good lefties will take what u give them and look to shoot the ball to the left side. i use my slider on both the back foot, and the belt as well as back door. i will use it mostly ahead in the count.
8. Lastly what was your favorite part about pitching from down there?
I like pitching from that angle for a number of reasons, however when im "on" i think its thrilling to know all eyes are on you, i believe that there has always been something intriguing about sidearmers in baseball. fans tend to watch the guys slinging it from down low. lastly, i have always hated being called a "submariner" i throw side arm, right off my hip, damn reporters never get it right.