Frank Stattler
Former RHP German National team RHP
1. Could you tell us your story on dropping down?
Since the baseball development in Germany in the end 80th was a little differentthan in the US I was told that I colud not be a pitcher since „pitchers always throw overhead“and never sidearm. With this being said by my coach I endet up in leftfield, catching flyballsand gunning people out at home plate, wich was also fun. When our weekend warrior team,the Kapellen Turtles, where short on pitching, I got my chance on the mound and this is, where itall begun. In the lower leagues I got batters out very easily and so the Turtles made it to the 1stGerman League (Bundesliga) within 4 seasons, going to a higher league every year.
2. What are some of the advantages you had from your arm angle?
The advantages for sure have been the different arm angles and release points of the ball,the batters where not used to. Most of the pitchers throw overhead so this is what they where usedto see.
3. If you didn't drop down, do you think you would have had the same success?
The arm angle was the key subject for my success. Together with teamspirit, hard work,the urge to win the battle and dedication it combined to the 4 German Championshipsand the two European Cup victories.
4. What would you tell someone debating on changing their arm angle?
Try it and if it feels good for you, keep working on it. Have the patience to figure out,what you can do with the different angles and grips on the ball. Let that puppy dance.But don’t mess up your regular routine. See it as an extra weapon to enjoy the battlewith the batter.
5. Are there any mechanical tips that you'd give to someone throwing sidearm/submarine?
Keep the arm down to get the best movement. Let the whip do the work for you.
6. What pitches did you throw?
My pitches where of course the slider which tailed away from a righty and the twoseam fastball that tailed in on the hands of the righties.
7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?
Work the righties outside and then bust them in with the fastballWork the lefties away with the fastball and than come in on their hands with the slider.Always work the corners and make them fish for bad pitches
8. Lastly what was your favorite part about pitching from down there?
I always loved the movement of the sidearm slider. I loved seeing batters backing upbecause they where afraid of getting hit by the pitch, wich actually scratched the insidecorner or see batters fishing for the outside slider and being fooled. That always was a blast.