Big Leaguer Breakdown: Billy Wagner

For this week's Big Leaguer Breakdown, I've decided to look at one of the best relievers in recent history. With 385 career saves and one of the most electric fastballs from a left handed pitcher, Billy Wagner and his intro song (Enter Sandman by Metallica) have been terrorizing hitters in the 9th inning for over a decade. Wagner is also unique from a mechanical standpoint because despite his smaller stature (he's 5'10") his electric arm speed and powerful lower half allows him to generate serious velo.

Check out this video of him warming up to study those mechanics.

Starting at the 3 second mark of the video we should look at two specific things. First off, his leg kick is extremely high...well beyond the parallel mark of his hips. As a reliever, he doesn't need to use the wind up and doesn't really need to be overly concerned with being quick to the plate with runners on. Therefore, he utilizes a very exaggerated leg kick to help generate his velocity. Also notice how high his hands are at this point; raising in unison with his leg to an equally exaggerated height. This placement is key to showing the extremely rare elasticity that Billy uses to help generate so much arm action.

As we watch the video forward from this point, we notice how well Wagner keeps his weight back as the hands break and he begins moving toward the target. After the leg lift, the front leg works down first before working forward with only a slight bend on the back leg. This is still at the 3 second mark. What is important to see here is that his hands have not yet broken. Typically you would want your hands to break as the knee works down and forward. This is what makes Billy so unique. His hands, elbows and arm speed so fast, he can afford to break his hands later and still remain on time with his hip turn. Let's watch further in the video.

At the 4 second mark, Wagner's hands have broken and already elevated to an awesome power position. He again utilizes his excellent hand speed and also a very very short arm swing to get to that power position. His elbows are up and loaded BEFORE the foot hits the ground...as you can see from this point of the video.


From here, its explosion time. The hip turn is quick and direct and he tucks his glove under his chest. The glove turn is a bit on the rotational side but he is able to keep his chest and chin direct over the target as he explodes to the target. His front knee does lock out on release, but his flexible waist and core allows for a proper finish.

So there we have Billy Wagners mechanics broken down in ultimate Less is More fashion.

Make sure to post any questions or comments.

Until Next Time!!