Harold Northcott: Former LHP Canadian National team

 

 

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

 I started dropping down when I was in my sophmore year at Eastern Oregon State University. My coach suggested that it would give me several different looks and it provided run on the ball in both directions.  

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

   I didn't throw sidearm frequently, so when I did mix in a sidearm pitch, it interfered with a hitter's timing.  My fastball ran in on a batter's hands from up top and even more so from sidearm.  For left hand hitters my curveball would either be a 12/6 or a slurve, which would start at their hip and finish off at the ankles at the outside part of the plate.

3. If you didn't drop down, do you think you would have had the same success? Do you wish you would have earlier in career?

No, I would not have.  Because I was a mid-80's fastball guy, I needed more looks.  No, I was effective not dropping down as I had a really good curveball and movement on my fastball for the level I was playing at.

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

 The biggest part to throwing sidearm is getting over the mental component and trusting that you can throw it over the plate without hitting the batter.  I would tell someone considering sidearm to not think "all or nothing" but to add sidearm pitches to their repertoire.

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

 The most important tip is making sure your hand is on top of the baseball when throwing a fastball.  The most important tip for a curveball is making sure your hand is around the baseball, not under the baseball.

 6. What pitches did you throw?

Fastball, Curveball, Changeup.   Fastball - mid 80's.  Curveball - 70...if I threw it harder (74) it didn't break as well.  I should mention I threw a two finger knucklecurve-some people refer to that as a 'spike'.  Changeup - between 74-76.

7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?

For righties I would go up and in, down and away, down and in.  For lefties I would do the same.  And I was never afraid to throw a 3-0 or 3-1 breaking pitch.  I would mix in some sidearm for interference.  I am all about movement and angles.  As a lefthander I had a great move to first - I averaged 5-10 pick-offs a year in my college career.

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

  Freezing hitters, weak off field ground balls and pop ups, check swing strikeouts.  I enjoy throwing sidearm as another opportunity to baffle hitters.