Hoby Milner snatched a ground ball two years ago during pitchers’ fielding practice – one of the most monotonous drills for a pitcher – and whipped it to first base. It was just another routine exercise in an afternoon of instruction. But it was the way Milner threw to the bag — with a sidearm motion — that drew the attention of Rafael Chavez, the Phillies’ minor-league pitching coordinator.
Chavez told Milner that perhaps he should begin to pitch with a sidearm delivery. Chavez received approval from then-general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. and had Milner work with roving pitching coach Carlos Arroyo, who threw sidearm during his career, and then double-A pitching coach Dave Lundquist.