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Knuckleball: The History of the Unhittable Pitch

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Knuckleball: The History of the Unhittable Pitch

by Lew Freedman

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1273 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	222 pages

The knuckleball is one of the most unique and unhittable pitches in baseball. It is thrown with little to no spin, causing it to flutter and dance as it approaches the batter. The knuckleball has been used by some of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, including Phil Niekro, Hoyt Wilhelm, and Tim Wakefield.

The Origins of the Knuckleball

The knuckleball is believed to have originated in the late 19th century. The first known pitcher to throw the knuckleball was Eddie Cicotte, who pitched for the Chicago White Sox from 1905 to 1920. Cicotte was a hard-throwing right-hander who developed the knuckleball as a way to relieve stress on his arm.

Other early knuckleball pitchers included Gus Weyhing, Carl Hubbell, and Red Faber. However, it was Phil Niekro who popularized the pitch and became the most successful knuckleball pitcher of all time.

How to Throw a Knuckleball

Throwing a knuckleball is a difficult skill to master. The pitcher must grip the ball with the knuckles of their index and middle fingers, and then release the ball with a slight flick of the wrist. The ball should be released with little to no spin, which causes it to flutter and dance as it approaches the batter.

The knuckleball is a very difficult pitch to hit because it is so unpredictable. The ball can move in any direction, and it can be difficult for batters to time. As a result, the knuckleball has been one of the most effective pitches in baseball history.

The Great Knuckleball Pitchers

There have been a number of great knuckleball pitchers throughout baseball history. Some of the most notable include:

Phil Niekro: Niekro is the all-time leader in knuckleball wins (318). He was a five-time All-Star and a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Hoyt Wilhelm: Wilhelm is second all-time in knuckleball wins (227). He was a nine-time All-Star and a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Tim Wakefield: Wakefield is third all-time in knuckleball wins (186). He was a four-time All-Star and a member of the Boston Red Sox World Series championship team in 2004.

The Decline of the Knuckleball

The knuckleball has become less common in recent years. This is due in part to the rise of new pitching styles, such as the cutter and the slider. These pitches are easier to control and can be thrown with more velocity than the knuckleball.

However, the knuckleball remains a valuable pitch for some pitchers. It is still one of the most unhittable pitches in baseball, and it can be a devastating weapon for a pitcher who can master it.

The knuckleball is one of the most unique and unhittable pitches in baseball. It is a difficult pitch to master, but it can be a devastating weapon for a pitcher who can throw it effectively. The knuckleball has been used by some of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, and it remains a valuable pitch for some pitchers today.

Knuckleball: The History of the Unhittable Pitch

by Lew Freedman

4.2 out of 5