The World Baseball Classic is an international baseball tournament that takes place every four years. It brings together some of the best baseball players from around the world to compete for the title of world champion. In the 2017 tournament, the Dominican Republic emerged as the champions, but one player that caught the attention of many was José Quijada of Team Venezuela.
Quijada, a left-handed pitcher, put on a dominant performance in the tournament, throwing seven innings and allowing just one run while striking out six batters. His performance was reminiscent of a familiar story in baseball – that of the unheralded player who rises to the occasion on the biggest stage.
But who is José Quijada, and how did he manage to put on such a dominant performance in the World Baseball Classic? In this article, we will explore Quijada’s background and his journey to the international stage, as well as analyze his pitching mechanics and strategies that made him so successful in the tournament.
Background
José Quijada was born on September 9, 1995, in Valencia, Venezuela. He was signed by the Miami Marlins as an international free agent in 2012, and spent several years playing in the minor leagues before making his major league debut in 2019.
Quijada is known for his deceptive delivery and ability to generate swings and misses. He throws a four-seam fastball, slider, and changeup, all of which he can command effectively. He has also shown an ability to pitch in high-pressure situations, as evidenced by his performance in the World Baseball Classic.
Pitching Mechanics
One of the keys to Quijada’s success is his unique pitching mechanics. He employs a crossfire delivery, which involves stepping towards the third base line with his left foot and throwing across his body towards the plate. This creates deception for hitters and makes it difficult for them to pick up the ball out of his hand.
In addition, Quijada has a high arm slot and a long stride, which allows him to generate more velocity on his fastball and keep hitters off balance with his offspeed pitches. His ability to repeat his mechanics and throw strikes consistently is what sets him apart from other pitchers.
Pitching Strategies
Quijada’s success in the World Baseball Classic can also be attributed to his effective pitching strategies. He was able to mix up his pitches effectively, keeping hitters off balance and generating swings and misses. He also showed a willingness to attack the strike zone and throw strikes early in the count, which allowed him to get ahead of hitters and control the at-bat.
In addition, Quijada showed a willingness to pitch inside and challenge hitters, which is a sign of a confident pitcher. He was able to jam hitters and induce weak contact, which helped him get out of jams and limit damage.
Conclusion
José Quijada’s performance in the World Baseball Classic was certainly impressive, and it has put him on the radar of many baseball fans and scouts. His unique pitching mechanics and effective strategies were key factors in his success, and he will no doubt be a pitcher to watch in the future.
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