Buddy Groom: Former MLB pitcher - several teams

 

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

I was at cross road and needed to get an advantage so my pitching coach said let's try it and I had success and stuck with it for a few years.

 

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

It created a better angle to lefties. It put fear in them because I was on the left hand side of the rubber and the ball starts out at them and makes them open up their front shoulder and takes the sting out of their bat.

 

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

I'm not sure but it didn't hurt. I think I matured as a pitcher as well.

 

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

Make sure your arm is ok with the transition, if u start to hurt in your arm then u probably shouldn't do it.

 

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

Make sure that u still stay on top of the ball. U r only adjusting your upper body with a tilt and that's it.

 

6. What pitches did you throw?

Two seam and four seam fastball, cutter to righties, slider to lefties and a change up.

 

7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?

I just mixed it up to lefties, in and out breaking balls away. I went to my normal angle to righties and did the same. Cutters in late or 4 seam in late.

 

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

Putting fear in the lefties that I could hit them at anytime.