Mike Marshall's pitching technique

[sportsdude]

Re: Mike Marshall's pitching technique

First of all, saying that HS pitching tops at 83 is stupid. A lot of high schoolers touch 90 and a select few can hit 100.

Second all, pitch speed is nice, but it's not the biggest deal in the world. Jamie Moyer's fastball maybe hits 85 and might touch 88 if it had a rocket attached to it. But look at Moyer, he's over 40 and still pitching successfully.

[dalnet22]

Re: Mike Marshall's pitching technique

I studied Marshall's technique extensively a few years ago. I've chatted with him through email as well, probing him for answers to many questions. The whole idea is like using the "crow hop" used by outfielders, but on the pitching mound.

Marshall has tried to get the message out, but he hasn't succeeded yet. Working in Florida, he went to the Marlins back when AJ Burnett was coming up as a star explaining why he needed to change his delivery. The club laughed at his warning, and Burnett soon after needed surgery. Baseball doesn't take him seriously for many foolish reasons - foolish because he's arguably the most durable reliever of all time, winning a Cy Young and setting several relief records.

Having a PHD and offering all his information online for free, the guy has good intentions. He isn't trying to make any money; the only reason his video costs so much is because he used to personally cut the tape and produce it. He told me he has been taking video classes at the nearby college in order to learn how to optimally use digital software.

With less than a handful of young pitching stars avoiding injury, the league needs to listen to Marshall. But, why would they care? They have ratings.

[skitch]

Re: Mike Marshall's pitching technique

First of all, saying that HS pitching tops at 83 is stupid. A lot of high schoolers touch 90 and a select few can hit 100.

Second all, pitch speed is nice, but it's not the biggest deal in the world. Jamie Moyer's fastball maybe hits 85 and might touch 88 if it had a rocket attached to it. But look at Moyer, he's over 40 and still pitching successfully.

I didn't say high school aces topped at 83. ****, just last year, I faced a guy throwing 95. I'm just saying, average run-of-the-mill high school pitchers throw in the low to mid 80's.

[skitch]

Re: Mike Marshall's pitching technique

You called it BS, sounds like you're saying it doesn't work. The fact that his best only throws 83 is more a statement that he can't get anyone with serious talent to give his motion a try than anything.

I heard a radio interview with Marshall a couple of months ago. It certainly is fascinating to a degree and seeing it in video it looks very interesting. It looks like it would be hard on the elbow when throwing a curveball though, as the hand wants to turn over to but spin on the ball but then has to turn the other way to finish pronating. Perhaps that's why there wasn't much horizontal movement on the guy's curveball and more vertical movement.

Very good point. That's why I would have liked to see what a big time player could do with the motion before we go proclaiming him the best pitching coach of all-time. That's all I'm saying.

[dalnet22]

Re: Mike Marshall's pitching technique

I've always thought Freddy Garcia comes very close to the straight line motion.