What is a Knuckleball?
A knuckleball is a type of pitch in baseball where the pitcher doesn’t use their fingers to spin the ball. Instead, the pitcher grips the ball with the fingertips and throws it with a minimal spin. This throws off the aerodynamics of the ball, making it harder for the batter to predict the trajectory of the pitch. The unpredictable movement of a knuckleball can make it a difficult pitch for batters to hit.
History of the Knuckleball
The knuckleball has been around since at least the 19th century, with some reports of players throwing the pitch as early as the 1880s. The pitch gained notoriety in the 1920s and 1930s, when Hall of Fame pitcher Charles “Red” Faber popularized the knuckleball. In recent years, more and more pitchers have started to throw the knuckleball, which has been made popular by current knuckleballers like R.A. Dickey and Tim Wakefield.
Benefits of Throwing a Knuckleball
The knuckleball is a difficult pitch for batters to hit, and it can often be used to great advantage by pitchers. Here are some of the benefits of throwing a knuckleball:
- The unpredictable movement of the ball makes it difficult for batters to hit.
- The pitcher can use the knuckleball to disrupt the timing of the batter.
- The knuckleball is easier on the arm than other pitches, which can be beneficial for pitchers who are recovering from an injury.
- The knuckleball is a great pitch to use when a pitcher is in a jam and needs an out.
Drawbacks of Throwing a Knuckleball
The knuckleball can be a difficult pitch to master, and there are a few drawbacks to throwing a knuckleball:
- The knuckleball is a difficult pitch to master, and it can take a lot of practice for a pitcher to become proficient at throwing it.
- The knuckleball can be hard to control, and if a pitcher is not careful the ball can end up in the wrong place.
- The unpredictable movement of the ball can be difficult for catchers to handle.
- The knuckleball is not as effective against left-handed batters as it is against right-handed batters.
Who Throws a Knuckleball in the MLB?
A few pitchers in the MLB are known for throwing the knuckleball, including R.A. Dickey, Tim Wakefield, Charlie Hough, Tom Candiotti, Steve Sparks, Phil Niekro, and Joe Niekro.
R.A. Dickey
R.A. Dickey is a former Cy Young Award winner who is best known for his knuckleball. He began throwing the knuckleball in 2006 and quickly became one of the most successful knuckleballers in the MLB. He has since retired from the MLB, but he is still considered one of the best knuckleballers of all time.
Tim Wakefield
Tim Wakefield is another former knuckleballer who had a successful career in the MLB. He was known for his knuckleball and for his longevity in the league, as he pitched for 17 seasons. He is currently the Red Sox’ all-time leader in wins, with 186.
Charlie Hough
Charlie Hough is a former knuckleballer who pitched in the MLB for 25 seasons. He is considered one of the best knuckleballers of all time, and he holds several MLB records, including most wins by a knuckleballer.
Tom Candiotti
Tom Candiotti is another former knuckleballer who had a successful career in the MLB. He pitched for 16 seasons and is known for his knuckleball. He was also the first pitcher to throw a knuckleball in a World Series game.
Steve Sparks
Steve Sparks is a former knuckleballer who pitched in the MLB for 11 seasons. He is best known for his knuckleball and for his durability, as he pitched over 200 innings in a season three times.
Phil Niekro
Phil Niekro is a Hall of Fame knuckleballer who pitched in the MLB for 24 seasons. He holds several MLB records, including most wins by a knuckleballer. He is one of the most successful knuckleballers of all time.
Joe Niekro
Joe Niekro is the brother of Phil Niekro and was also a successful knuckleballer in the MLB. He pitched for 22 seasons and is the second-most successful knuckleballer of all time, behind only his brother.
Conclusion
The knuckleball is a difficult pitch for batters to hit, and it can be used to great advantage by pitchers. There are several MLB pitchers who are known for throwing the knuckleball, including R.A. Dickey, Tim Wakefield, Charlie Hough, Tom Candiotti, Steve Sparks, Phil Niekro, and Joe Niekro. Throwing a knuckleball can be a difficult pitch to master, but it can be a great pitch for pitchers who are looking to gain an advantage on the mound.