JD, in the videos you posted, neither Ryan nor Clemens finish in a fielding position. They both rotate through and didn’t finish square to the target. Not sure you can say the same about the big unit…but he was 6’10" and could rely on longer levers (and was probably a bigger target for comebackers!
).
As for LankyLefty, he posted on LTP what it feels like ft to throw 100 mph (and used maximal effort throws to help achieve his current velocity and create efficient mechanics):
“It feels like you’re trying to throw your elbow and shoulder out of their socket. There is almost inevitably a grunt that goes along with it. Very taxing. I don’t think most people ever really throw over 96 or 97% of their true max in games, just because it really does take an entirely new level of effort that couldn’t be repeated for very long.”
Yes, some/most pitchers dial it back eventually and don’t try to throw as hard at all times. And I’m not saying that every pitcher has to throw the crap out of the ball at all times, but, to maximize your technique, I really do believe you have to learn how to throw, and throw hard, with intent. And, I think that should be done at a young age, prior to working on your “pitching mechanics”/fielding position. Again, to me it looks like the youngster moves well and has very good physical capability, but is a little too focused on what he feels are proper pitching mechanics (fielding position finish, focused on hitting a spot) rather than throwing. Personally, I would rather see him focused on throwing and rotating his body through the pitch rather than stopping at a traditional fielding position. That doesn’t mean finish in a way where you can’t field a ball hit at you, I’m not saying rotate all around in a circle…just make sure you finish your pitch and don’t cut yourself off by stopping your arm and leg because you think you need to stop “in a fielding position.”
Maddux had the capability of throwing pretty hard, but decided to focus on movement and hitting his spots. But the key is he did learn to throw before dialing it back.
[b]David Price said: “I throw hard because I THROW hard.”
Goose Gossage: “I’d have tears in my eyes I’d be trying so hard.”
“I just reared back and let it go.” Bob Feller
[/b]
Ryan was clearly throwing with a lot of effort:
Bob Gibson clearly threw the crap out of the ball and didn’t come close to finishing in a fielding position

Kimbrel clearly rotates through and throws with a good bit of effort:

Koufax is not stopping with his feet squared here:

Pedro Martinez throwing hard and rotating through:

King Felix (rotating through)

Kershaw (rotating through/not finishing square)
