Eugen Heilmann: RHP German National team-2013 WBC

 

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

 I can't remember when I started dropping down. I think I was always pitching from 3/4 since I started pitching. Only on the slider I've changed my angle after a while. I dropped it more down, couse it would have a bigger break on it.

 

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

The advantages are that the pitches are crossing the zone more from the side then pitching the ball from the top.
I'm also throwing some pitches from the top. So I can mix my pitches better and it is hard to pick up what pitch is coming for the hitter.

 

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

I was never pitching only from  the top. So I can t say if I would be more or less successful. I just think the mix of pitching from deferent angles made me more successfull.

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

I can only recommend to change the angle on some pitches. If you feel comfortable and get some more movement on the ball then just stay with it.

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

 

N/A

 

6. What pitches do you throw?

My Pitches are: Fastball from the top, 3/4 and from the side. (all 4 & 2 seamer)
Curveball from the top and 3/4
Slider from the top, 3/4 and from the side.
Changeup from top and 3/4
My favourite angle ist the 3/4 caouse its my natural one and I feel the most comfortable with.

7. How do you pitch to lefties/righties?

On the lefties I try to pitch more outside with using my changeup and slider from the side. To get the batter out of balance. If I get two strikes on them I'm coming with a sidearm fastball inside.
On righties if its a really good hitter I throw always a lot of junk. If I throw the fastball early in the count I throw it for a strike and later only for a waste pitch to change up the speed. Fastball is not my strike out pitch.
With a not so strong hitter I'm coming with a lot of fastballs early in the count to get ahead and then using the slider away from the side.
I never really try to strike somebody out. So I always throw a lot of strikes to force them to hit the ball. Cause on the pitches from the different angles I always get a lot groundballs and easy flyballs.

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

 My favorite part about it is that not many hitters are expacting a fastball coming from down there. So if I face new better  it can be really unexpected for them.