Part 5/6:
The player expressed a strong affinity for their change-up, referring to it as a cherished pitch. They explained the unique grip inherited from their father, which involved a spread-out finger technique. Videos from past greats like Trevor Hoffman influenced the player’s development of this pitch, emphasizing the importance of thumb control to create effective deception.
Offseason Goals
As the offseason approached, the focus turned to improving the fastball. The pitcher recognized the need for a better ride, suggesting it was tied to an overall body movement rather than just grip adjustments. The goal was to maintain a natural delivery while enhancing fastball effectiveness, allowing other pitches to thrive off the added respect hitters would need to give to a strong fastball.