04/25/2008 10:31 AM -
ST. PAUL, MN (April 25, 2008) – Thirty years ago Dr. Mike Marshall sat down with Bill Veeck and discussed his theory on pitching. Veeck told Marshall that he could be his “pitching coach for life.” On Saturday, April, 26, Veeck’s son, Mike, will bring out Marshall to impart his wisdom on the St. Paul Saints pitching staff.
The 65-year-old Marshall has developed his own pitching methods that he believes could completely eradicate pitching-arm injuries and is now using his knowledge to help young pitchers today. He will attend the Saints workout on April 26 and explain his methods and ideologies to the pitching staff. One of Marshall’s protégés, left-handed pitcher Joe Williams, has been invited into camp by manager George Tsamis.
“Mike Marshall was ahead of his time 30 years ago and the fact that he is still ahead of his time is a signal that we should pay attention to him now,” said Saints President Mike Veeck. “With the increasing salaries of Major League pitchers, organizations need to find ways to keep pitchers on the mound and off the disabled list.”
Marshall began his research in 1967 and used his findings to help him during his career. That knowledge led to an impressive career with some mind-boggling numbers.
Marshall finished in the top seven in the Cy Young Award balloting five times during his 14 seasons, including winning the award in 1974. He holds Major League single-season records for most appearances (106), most closing innings pitched (208), most consecutive appearances (13) and most games finished (84).
Attending Michigan State University, Marshall received three degrees, including a PhD in kinesiology.
“I know the injurious flaws in the 'traditional' baseball pitching motion and how to eliminate all pitching injuries,” said Marshall. “I also know the mechanical flaws in the 'traditional' baseball pitching motion that decrease release velocity, release consistency and the variety and quality of pitches pitchers can throw and how to correct these mechanical flaws.”
Marshall spent time with eight Major League teams including substantial time with the Montreal Expos, Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins.
