Victor Beriguete: Former A RHP Yankees

 

 

 

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

I used to throw from the top for three years professionally. I had a great fastball, changeup and two seam, but couldn't throw a slider and a curve ball. One day when I warming up to play in a game, my pitching coach asked me if I could throw sidearm. That day I had a great game, I threw a slider that I didn't know how I threw it, and had great control. From that day until now I throw side arm.

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

Not many pitchers throw that way, and throwing at a high speed that way, makes it difficult for the batters to hit.

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

I would have possibly been able to throw faster if I hadn't change the angle but I wouldn't have had the same quality pitches. I have more control of my pitches and the batters.

If I knew earlier of the results I was able to accomplish throwing sidearm I would have changed my angle earlier.

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

I would tell them to throw how they feel more comfortable and confident. 

In my opinion I also think that baseball sometimes is not fair. I know many players that have so much talent that are not playing right now because they were not given a second opportunity.

Baseball is a very very difficult career. You have to have mental control and remember that just how a pitcher trains daily to be a great pitcher, a batter trains just as hard. Even if you have a bad inning, you have to learn how to move on and don't let it affect your game.

Just like in every other career, it is important to be consistent, to trust yourself and to work very hard. For me personally, I also have a lot of faith, and I always put God first and then my family. Having a motive when I pitch makes me pitch better.

 

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

it is the same from both angles; stay back, your fingers should always be on top of the ball, learn how to use your legs and hips, and it is very important to stay close. 

6. What pitches do you throw?

I throw slider, changeup, sinker, and fast ball. The hardest I have thrown from that angle is 96mph.

 7. How do you pitch to lefties/righties?

Righties i like to use close inside pitches. I like to throw 2 seamer inside and slider outside.

Lefties I like to throw them 2 seamer outside, changeup and slider inside.

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

I feel very comfortable pitching from this angle, i enjoy pitching and having control of the batters.