Harry Glynne: RHP German National team-2013 WBC

 

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

 It wasn’t until I went to an Indy Ball tryout in New Jersey in 2012 where I committed to throwing sidearm. There were about 30 pitchers at this workout and none of them threw from a low angle. Since I wasn’t 90 on the gun I decided my best chance of drawing attention would come if I threw sidearm. Tommy John was present at this workout and he pulled me aside and literally stuck a ball in my hand and showed me how he gripped his sinker. Although I had some interest from some Indy Ball teams I decided to take an offer to go play in Germany. For the next 4 years much of my success came from being able to change arm angles and really make my fastball move.

 

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

I throw from the far 3rd base side of the rubber and threw across my body. So when I drop down to the side, it is very hard for right handed hitters to adjust to the angle since it looks like the ball is coming from near the shortstop. My 2 seam/sinker inside to righties made it easy to get ahead in the count and opened up the outside corner which I was able to hit with back door 2 seamers. Also I threw a slider from the same angle that would back them off the plate and could hit the inside corner.

 

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

 If I didn’t drop down I definitely would not have been able to succeed at the levels I got to. Pro hitters can hit anything straight regardless of the velocity. I truly believe that moving the ball and mixing speeds is the key to success. Throwing side arm allowed me to get max movement on my fastball.

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

My advice to a pitcher debating on changing their angle is to have a purpose and plan. I’ve seen lots of guys try to change their angle, but continue to pitch the same way as over the top. For example, you can’t live on the outside corner. Sink works by living inside. Once you can establish the inside, it opens up the outside.

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

The biggest mechanical tip is that you have to make sure you stay on top of the ball and extend. If your fingers stay on the side and you don’t get out in front, you’ll be flat. This goes for any arm angle, but especially if you’re sidearm. 

 

6. What pitches do you throw?

I throw all 2 seamers and sinkers from ¾ slot and sidearm in the 84-87 range. Change up, slider, and 12-6 breaking ball.

7. How do you pitch to lefties/righties?

Typically, against righties I will try to establish the inside corner with the fastball. I’ll use the 12-6 curve early in the count and slider more as a put away. Most of my strikeouts come from back door 2 seamers that catch them looking. To lefties I use a lot of change ups and will come hard inside to back them off.

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

   My favorite part of throwing sidearm is that it really allows me to get ahead in the count. Also righties tend to foul a lot of balls of their shins. Breaking bats is also always fun!