Carlos Sierra was an intriguing prospect when he signed with the Houston Astros out of Cuba in 2015. The right-hander from Sancti Spíritus, Cuba left the island via Spain and pitched in the European League prior to his signing with the team from Space City.
Armed with a mid-90’s fastball, curve, slider and circle-change up, Sierra looked like a bargain at the time of his signing. Especially because of all the different arm angles he used to throw his pitches.
During his time in the minors with Houston Sierra posted a record of 5-6, ERA of 3.77 and a 1.14 WHIP in 140 ⅔ innings pitched. He also struck out 143 batters and had an above average 9.1 SO9. Some were surprised when Sierra was prematurely released by the Astros in 2018.
After his time with Houston the righty pitched in winter and independent circuits, looking impressive. In 2019 he had a career with the Sioux City Explorers of the American Association posting a 8-1 record and 3.21 earned run average, but unfortunately injuries ended his career with that same squad three years later.
Today he uses his experiences as a pitcher at the Sierra Pitching Academy in Eagle Lake, Florida to train young pitchers and guide down the right path.
https://t.co/ACHBbiFQrQ : Source: Cuban RHP Carlos Sierra agreed to a deal with #Astros.… https://t.co/3XiuUdsT1x pic.twitter.com/97SkgJhzcH
— BaseballBlog.com (@Baseball_Blog) December 24, 2015
Tell me about your new academy?
Regarding my academy, this new role for me as a coach, it is really something that I am enjoying a lot. Being able to pass on the knowledge I acquired as a professional to children and young people, and help them achieve their goals really makes me feel good. I think it’s something unprecedented, it’s something that motivates me a lot and helps me prepare better every day to bring the most appropriate information to these players.
What is the mission of your pitching school?
The main objective of my academy is for each player, from the smallest to the largest, to find a way to develop themselves physically and mentally top their echelon. We try to explore the skills of each player and develop them as much as possible. The most important thing for a coach is to know how to help the player achieve his top performance on the field of play.
How have you applied what you learned in time in the professional game?
Undoubtedly, all the time that I played professionally, baseball has helped me to have a certain ease when it comes to teaching the new generations. To these generations I will try to pass on what I learned on the field of play. However, I have also considered that it is not enough for one to pass all the knowledge to the players, because the game evolves, so one must also evolve. Unquestionably, we must continue to be informed and learn. Modern baseball has changed a lot and without a doubt studying through pitching programs helps you expand that knowledge and this will help you grow as a trainer, plus this will help you in the development of your pupils.
What is your biggest focus when working with a student?
Really my biggest focus when working with a pitcher is trying to explore all of his qualities, physical and mental. Try to develop their skills as much as possible and to try to help them reach the top of their capabilities. Every time I see an athlete who likes to pitch, my visualization is Major League Baseball. It does not mean that I prepare them as a big leaguer, but my focus is always to get the most out of them. The player and his physical qualities will decide how far he can go. My focus is to always give them the best preparation possible.
Do you have other projects planned for the near future?
There are several projects. Continuing to pass on my knowledge to new generations is very important. I’m trying to expand a little more, not just pitching, but work on other areas as well. And why not? Also considering fielding some youth teams to help these same athletes that I have in my academy have somewhere to play. I want to be able to help them get to high school, college or even play professionally. I want to invest in them long term. There really are a lot of plans for the Sierra Pitching Academy and we are very excited for the future holds.
What’s the biggest piece of advice you have for young pitchers?
Really based on my experience, the biggest piece of advice I can give to young people is to trust what you have. That they trust themselves, in their pitching, in their preparation, in their coaches. Self-confidence will lead them to reach the goal. It is not only the physical ability, the confidence that you have in yourself is what will lead you to reach the highest level.