Jordan Mills: Former AAA LHP Nationals

 

 

 

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

I actually have been throwing side arm since I first really began to throw. I used to ask myself the same question, why does it feel more comfortable to throw sidearm for me than over the top? As each summer of baseball went by and the more and more catch I played with my dad, I began to notice I really just put my own twist to his arm slot. He would always throw the ball back to me low 3/4 arm slot just because it was natural for him as well. Once I began playing more competitive coaches would always try and change it to “help” me but my arm was and still is much stronger from side arm because it’s natural for me. 

 

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

  Being left handed with a lower arm angle The advantages I have is being able to throw inside to lefties. With the arm side run I get, the ball naturally tails into a lefty opening up the rest of the plate to work with creating an uncomfortable at bat. 

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

 I always joke around and tell people if I threw over the top I’d throw 100 and it would be an easy road to the Big Leagues. But Jokes aside that couldn’t be more false. For me side arm is natural and I wouldn’t change being unique for being another average lefty. I truly think if I were to throw like the standard leftie traditionally does I wouldn’t have made it past high school baseball.  

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

I would tell them do what makes you feel comfortable and consistent. Every player and thrower is unique in every way. We all have to shift weight, break our hands, get to foot strike, and find our release point, etc. The hard part is being consistent so if you’re trying to change your arm angle let your body tell you if you can consistently make the arm slot work. If so great if not side arm isn’t for everybody. 

 

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

My big mechanical tip I talk to guys about dropping down is keeping our chest weight over our toes when we’re working down the mound. Throwing sidearm we naturally want our head to pull away from our body opening up our front shoulder. It can cause our arm to be late and hand gets under the ball and it sails on us. I still do this all the time. But once you find your timing and repeatable mechanics it makes it a lot easier. 

6. What pitches do you throw?

Fastball (mostly 2 seam) I sit 89-92 and have touched 94mph
Change up
Slider

  7. How do you pitch to lefties/righties?

Every at bat is different but I’m always trying to establish inside and get to my out pitch which is my change up. I throw that to both lefties and righties.

 

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

My favorite part of throwing down here is just being different. And the success I’ve had down there too has been great. Throwing side arm has definitely made a huge impact in my career and life from little league all the way to my 8th year of professional baseball. It’s let me meet and build relationships all over the world and also let me see many cool places.