Kesley Kondo: 2013 Brazil WBC RHP

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

I started back when I was 13 years of age. The pitching coach of Team Brazil's Junior olympics asked me if i could do it since i already threw from a side arm kind of angle, so i did it during a bullpen session. At the time I did continue to do it, until Cuban coaches that coached at the Brazil's baseball academy told me how natural it looked for me. From then on i would always mix in the submarine angle in the middle of an at bat.

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

It's a different look, speed and movement. everything i needed to throw of hitters.

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

no, i never threw 95mph+ this was my edge against all hitters.

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

don't do it unless it feels natural to you.

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

not much mechanical tips but more physical, in order to keep your mechanics consistent you must work out the lower part of your body more than anyone.

6. What pitches did you throw?

2 and 4 seam, slider, change up

7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?

I worked my strength against righties which are 2 seamers on the hands and i had a lot of success against lefties with backdoor sliders.

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

the fans and the hitters reactions.