Jeff Innis
Former RHP NY Mets
1. Could you tell us your story on dropping down?
I started my freshman year at University of Illinois... I sat down at the end of that first fall and ranked myself 10th on a staff of 12 and I knew I had to do it. I had tinkered with it a bit before in high school and I knew I was good at it. My coach approved and so I was off to the races...
2. What are some of the advantages you had from your arm angle?
I threw just as hard and I had a really good side armed curve that broke late, hard, and far. It was almost impossible for righties to hit and really tough on lefties. I started out more submarine back in those days.
3. If you didn't drop down, do you think you would have had the same success?
No way.
4. What would you tell someone debating on changing their arm angle?
I would have to evaluate them on an individual basis.
5. Are there any mechanical tips that you'd give to someone throwing sidearm/submarine?
Everyone is a little different but I would say that keeping your front shoulder and head in the strike zone as long as possible is probably a good start. Also, you need depth on your breaking ball so releasing it with good extension and plenty of arm speed is very important. A side armer has to have a nasty breaking ball to be successful.
6. What pitches did you throw?
sinker, side armed curve, change up, knuckle ball at times.
7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?
I kept the ball down to everyone... lefty and righty. Utilized my side armed curve to righties much more frequenty and threw my change up only to lefties.
8. Lastly what was your favorite part about pitching from down there?
My favorite part was watching righties swing and miss my side arm curve...They usually didn't come close to hitting it. I also enjoyed it when the hitter would ask the ump to check the ball on my sinker because he thought I was doctoring it... ultimate complement...