Tom Seaver---1974
"Tom Terrific" was pure power in action. The Hall of Famer with a sizzling fastball
led the National League in strikeouts for five seasons, won three Cy Youngs and
hurled a no-hitter with the Cincinnati Reds in 1978. But would Seaver have
enjoyed success if he pitched in today's era?
You see, this card shows Seaver using the classic compact "drop-and-drive"
delivery that was taught to many pitchers in the 1950s and 1960s. I can
remember seeing dirt on Seaver's right knee, as he got so low in his delivery,
that he would occassionally touch his knee to the ground.
Today, most young pitchers are taught to stay tall over ther rubber and pitch with
a good downward plane. Odds are a minor league pitching coach would have
tried to change Seaver's mechanics to fit the organizational philosophy.
From there, it would have been anyone's guess.
(10/15/09)
led the National League in strikeouts for five seasons, won three Cy Youngs and
hurled a no-hitter with the Cincinnati Reds in 1978. But would Seaver have
enjoyed success if he pitched in today's era?
You see, this card shows Seaver using the classic compact "drop-and-drive"
delivery that was taught to many pitchers in the 1950s and 1960s. I can
remember seeing dirt on Seaver's right knee, as he got so low in his delivery,
that he would occassionally touch his knee to the ground.
Today, most young pitchers are taught to stay tall over ther rubber and pitch with
a good downward plane. Odds are a minor league pitching coach would have
tried to change Seaver's mechanics to fit the organizational philosophy.
From there, it would have been anyone's guess.
(10/15/09)
