斎藤隆＆岩隈久志がフルタの方程式初登場！ 日米で活躍した理論派右腕の投球術【ピッチャーズバイブル】

Summary

This script captures an engaging and informal conversation among baseball players, focusing on their experiences, pitching techniques, training regimes, and the evolution of their careers. The dialogue weaves through a variety of topics, from the intricacies of pitching mechanics and the importance of conditioning to personal anecdotes about transitioning from batting to pitching, the challenges of adapting to professional baseball, and reflections on personal growth and the physical demands of the sport. It also delves into the players' thoughts on the significance of adaptability, mental toughness, and the journey from youth leagues to the major leagues, offering insights into the relentless pursuit of excellence and the camaraderie that defines their experience in baseball.

Takeaways

• 😀 Saito started as an outfielder, and switched to pitching in his 3rd year of university
• 😊 Saito was taught a simple pitching form - lift the leg and throw down the middle - which led to his success
• 😃 Finding the slope of the mound difficult, Saito used a line to have a consistent release point
• 🤔 Realized the importance of lower body strength and flexibility for pitching in the majors
• 🧐 Noticed difference between starters (consistency) and relievers (daily power) in MLB
• 😯 Learned to coordinate right and left sides through cross-body training
• 😀 Recommends focusing on lower body for young/growing pitchers, not arm
• 🤓 For mature pitchers, advocates being aware of connecting motions
• 😊 Pitching consistency enabled success despite simple mechanics
• 😊 With experience realized his body was better suited for relief pitching

Q & A

What pitching styles did Saito and Iwa discuss?

They discussed differences between starting pitcher and relief pitcher styles - starting pitchers focus more on consistency and relief pitchers on maximizing power.

How did Saito become a pitcher?

He was originally a bench player focused on hitting and defense. Towards the end of college, his coach suggested he try pitching since his throwing motion was good.

What aspects of pitching mechanics did Iwa improve later in his career?

He focused more on lower body and hip joint strength and flexibility to improve coordination and timing.

What MLB pitchers did Iwa observe to evolve his mechanics?

He noticed some MLB pitchers bringing their throwing hand more to the inside rather than extending down on the takeback.

How did Iwa maintain durability pitching in his 40s?

He focused a lot on sleep and recovery, using eye masks, blankets and pillows even on trains to maximize rest.

What challenges did Saito face when first pitching professionally?

He struggled with control and consistency pitching on the sloped mound and had to adjust his mechanics.

What training methods did Iwa use to increase power?

He did a lot of basic strength training with heavier weights during the offseason to build max power and then worked on coordinating that into pitching motions.

How did Saito and Iwa view pitchers with different body types?

They felt starting pitchers tended to have more flexible "pink muscle" better for endurance, while relievers had more "white muscle" for power.

What pitching role did Iwa feel was his strength?

He felt he was better physically suited to be a reliever based on his muscle fiber distribution and pitching statistics.

What advice did Saito and Iwa have for young pitchers?

They emphasized focusing on linkage between lower and upper body, opening the body more rather than staying closed.