Craig Mosher: Former pro LHP - Team Canada

 

 

 

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

 My dad was a huge Satchel Paige fan back in the day and taught me how to "pitch" rather than "throw". Being left handed, I already had an advantage. But learning how to hit locations, mix speeds and just mess with a hitter's timing helped me become as successful as i was as a pitcher. Included in that was mixing up arm angles too, because you don't want those hitters getting too comfortable in the box!

 

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

The advantages I had from my arm angle was being left handed firstly! Being a Canadian and having a lot (I think that's an understatement!) of left handed hitters I faced, when I dropped down on them it was more of a strikeout pitch because it looked like the ball was coming right at them. Any different look, as long as you can throw strikes, is beneficial as a pitcher.

 

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

Being able to throw at those angles I think kept my career going. I was a starter earlier in my college career but turned into a reliever later on. Being able to have different pitches from different angles kept me playing! You have to adapt, and that helped me become a decent reliever for a few years.

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

 I would tell any one thinking about changing their arm angle to do it if it feels comfortable. Play catch with it, as infielders do if they have to get rid of it from low. Movement first, velocity second. Both is tough to hit!

 

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

As far as mechanics go, the biggest thing in my opinion, is you can't forget about your front arm! That glove hand will help you use your whole body while pulling your arm through. And keeping your head on the target, even at that angle.

6. What pitches did you throw?

 I was a fastball, curve ball, slider and change up guy, different angles on each (except curveballs as that would be tough to throw a 12-6 from sidearm!). In my prime I topped out at 89 (90 would have sounded so much better) but my ability to mix speeds and keep hitters off balance made my fastball seem much faster. I was always trying to be a few pitches ahead and "think" like a hitter. 

  7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?

  For both lefties and righties I was mostly lived down and away with fastballs and offspeed and finish in hard if I had to. Lefties, all away with lots of sidearm and sliders to finish. No change ups to lefties as it would move into their wheelhouse.

 

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

The best part of being able to throw sidearm and 3/4 and up top was honestly to keep hitters guessing. The best part of throwing sidearm was being able to see how much movement you could get and how to play with different grips, but I think the ABSOLUTE best was having a huge left handed clean up hitter bailing out on strike 3 on a pitch on the outer half!