Colter Bean: Former RHP, New York Yankees

 

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

It was in College, I was straight over the top throwing 87mph. It was flat and not missing many barrels. Especially with the aluminum bats they are like titanium drivers and was no fun.

 

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

I am bigger guy at 6'6, so gave me some deception. I got more movement and actually little more velocity. When over the top my breaking ball was loopy, from the side it was a lot more sharper for sure.

 

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

Absolutely not, don't think I would have pitched much in college. Unless I was able to pin point my 87mph fast ball which is easier said than done.

 

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

I think when players are told by coaches they need to 'drop down' they automatically assume they need to be knuckle scrappers. Which isn't the case, a lot of coaches are mis-guided and kids getting wrong info. It definitely can help to drop arm angle but can just be sidearm, not all the way down.

 

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

A lot of coaches think and teaching to pitcher, you need to get your chest down right away which is wrong. This throws you off balance and gonna fall over. You want to keep your chest up and really just let your arm do the work.

 

6. What pitches did you throw?

I threw 2-seam, slider and a new change-up everyday. Slider was my best pitch from down there. Change-up found a little tricky.

 

7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?

Righties- It was easier because of the deception and movement for sure. Really went everything away and down, I liked to pitch to contact. When ahead I would go to my slider. If you can throw your slider for strikes you are gonna be successful.
Lefties- my backdoor slider was my best pitch to them. If things going well vs them, I would come up and in. Depended on the movement I was getting.

 

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

It made pitching fun cause I knew even if I made a mistake, I could get away with stuff. Even if fell behind 2-0 in the count, with the sink I got, could go right after the hitter and get a ground ball. My best season I was only 83-84 mph, wasn't blowing it by guys throwing 95mph, but was because of the movement and sink I was getting.