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Knuckleball: The History of the Unhittable Pitch

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Knuckleball Knuckleball: The History Of The Unhittable Pitch

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 Enigmatic Pitch

The knuckleball is a unique and enigmatic pitch in baseball. Unlike a fastball or a curveball, which are thrown with a spin that imparts movement, the knuckleball is thrown with no spin, causing it to flutter erratically as it approaches the batter. This unpredictable movement makes the knuckleball extremely difficult to hit, and it has been the signature pitch of some of the most successful pitchers in baseball history.

The Origins of the Knuckleball

The origins of the knuckleball are unclear, but it is believed to have been developed in the late 19th century. One of the earliest known knuckleballers was a pitcher named Eddie Cicotte, who pitched for the Chicago White Sox in the early 1900s. Cicotte's knuckleball was so effective that he was able to lead the American League in strikeouts twice.

Another early knuckleballer was a pitcher named Phil Niekro, who pitched for the Milwaukee Braves and Atlanta Braves from 1964 to 1984. Niekro was a master of the knuckleball, and he was able to win 318 games during his career. Niekro was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997.

The Mastery of the Knuckleball

The knuckleball is an extremely difficult pitch to master. It requires a unique combination of strength, touch, and feel. Knuckleballers typically have large hands and long fingers, which helps them to grip the ball properly. They also need to have a good sense of timing and rhythm.

The development of the knuckleball is a long and arduous process. It can take years of practice to master the pitch. Knuckleballers often have to experiment with different grips and release points until they find what works best for them.

The Legendary Knuckleballers

There have been many great knuckleballers throughout baseball history, but some of the most famous and successful include:

Eddie Cicotte
Phil Niekro
Tim Wakefield
Charlie Hough
R.A. Dickey

These pitchers were all masters of the knuckleball, and they were able to achieve great success with it. They were able to strike out batters, win games, and lead their teams to the playoffs. Knuckleballers are a unique and enigmatic breed of pitcher, and they have played a significant role in baseball history.

The Future of the Knuckleball

The knuckleball is a dying art in baseball. There are fewer and fewer pitchers who throw the knuckleball, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find success with it. The rise of the fastball and the curveball has made it more difficult for knuckleballers to compete.

However, there is still a place for the knuckleball in baseball. It is a unique and unpredictable pitch that can be very effective when it is thrown well. Knuckleballers are still able to strike out batters and win games, and they can be a valuable asset to any team.

Knuckleball: The History of the Unhittable Pitch is a comprehensive and informative book that explores the origins, evolution, and mastery of the knuckleball. This book features exclusive interviews with legendary knuckleballers and expert analysis, and it is the definitive guide to the most enigmatic pitch in baseball.

Knuckleball: The History of the Unhittable Pitch

by Lew Freedman

4.2 out of 5