I was a knuckleballer. It was a very effective pitch most of the time. But if the wind was blowing in with any significance then I couldn’t really throw it because it wouldn’t move, just be a slow straight ball. At the high school level that worked some because some kids just weren’t good and couldn’t handle the change of speed, but a lot would hit it hard.
That's a fascinating insight into the life of a knuckleballer! The wind's impact on the pitch really highlights how challenging and nuanced throwing a knuckleball can be. It's interesting to hear how it played out differently with the high school hitters-some fooled by the change of speed and others ready to take advantage of a slower pitch. Thanks for sharing your experience! It's always intriguing to learn more about the personal experiences behind unique pitches like the knuckleball. ⚾🌬️
I been playing men’s slow pitch softball for 10 years and primarily pitcher. After 2 years I started pitching the knuckleball and so effective. I use a variety of pitches (knuckleball, curve, backspin, standard). When wind is blowing towards me, my knuckleball dances. Do you wish the knuckleball would come back into baseball?
That's impressive! Using a knuckleball in softball, especially with varying wind conditions, sounds like a real game-changer. It's great to hear it's been so effective for you. I definitely miss seeing more knuckleballers in baseball-it adds such a unique element to the game. How do you think current players and teams would adapt if the knuckleball made a comeback?
@@baseballspark I do wish the knuckleball would make a comeback. even if a couple pitchers just added it to their arsenal. But I wonder if these stupid new clocks would affect a knuckleball pitcher and catcher? Because it is no easy task catching for a knuckleball pitcher a lot more time will be needed for and in between pitches.
@robertflint4115 That's a great point! The new pitch clocks do add an interesting twist to the use of the knuckleball. Since catching a knuckleball is notoriously tricky, the reduced time between pitches could indeed put extra pressure on catchers and pitchers alike. It requires a catcher who is very skilled and adaptable, as the unpredictable nature of the knuckleball means more potential passed balls and wild pitches. If a pitcher and catcher aren't perfectly in sync, especially under the constraints of a pitch clock, it could lead to more game delays or errors. But it would be fascinating to see how teams might adapt their strategies to incorporate the knuckleball effectively within these new rules. What do you think teams could do to overcome these challenges?
Today’s MLB is all about consistency. The knuckleball however, as much as I love it, is incredibly inconsistent. The greats of the knuckleball understood when to throw it and when to throw fastballs or curveballs to complement it.
You're absolutely right! The knuckleball is such a unique pitch due to its unpredictability. It's fascinating to see how pitchers who master it use this to their advantage, balancing it with other pitches to keep hitters off balance. It definitely adds an exciting layer of strategy to the game. Thanks for bringing up this interesting aspect of baseball! It's always great to hear from fans who appreciate the intricacies of pitching.
That's right! Matt Waldron is currently one of the rare knuckleball pitchers in professional baseball, and it's really interesting to watch him play. It's a pitch that's not only tricky for batters but also a challenge for catchers to handle. Do you think the Padres will see benefits from having such a unique pitching style in their rotation?
That’s fascinating! The knuckleball is such a unique pitch, and it's great to hear that some of the young pitchers in the Jays' farm system are experimenting with it. It could really set them apart if they manage to master it.
Knuckleballs has always been a specialty pitch that was commonly used by pitchers that used it as their primary pitches. Never was prevalent and has become less relevant in the 100 mph fastball era. I still believe that if a girl learned how to throw a knuckleball and could hit the low 80's fastball. It would be the best chance for a woman to make it men's professional sports.
That's a really interesting take! The knuckleball indeed stands out as a pitch that doesn't rely on sheer velocity, which could level the playing field in ways that traditional pitches might not. If a female pitcher could master the knuckleball while also delivering a decently fast fastball, it could definitely challenge the norms and potentially open doors in men's professional baseball. This combination could make her pitching arsenal unpredictable and difficult to counter, providing a unique edge. It would not only be groundbreaking for the sport but also a significant step toward inclusivity in professional leagues. What a fascinating scenario to consider!
MLB needs more Knuckleballers
Definitely! Knuckleballers add a fun, unpredictable twist to the game.
I was a knuckleballer. It was a very effective pitch most of the time. But if the wind was blowing in with any significance then I couldn’t really throw it because it wouldn’t move, just be a slow straight ball. At the high school level that worked some because some kids just weren’t good and couldn’t handle the change of speed, but a lot would hit it hard.
That's a fascinating insight into the life of a knuckleballer! The wind's impact on the pitch really highlights how challenging and nuanced throwing a knuckleball can be. It's interesting to hear how it played out differently with the high school hitters-some fooled by the change of speed and others ready to take advantage of a slower pitch. Thanks for sharing your experience! It's always intriguing to learn more about the personal experiences behind unique pitches like the knuckleball. ⚾🌬️
I been playing men’s slow pitch softball for 10 years and primarily pitcher. After 2 years I started pitching the knuckleball and so effective. I use a variety of pitches (knuckleball, curve, backspin, standard). When wind is blowing towards me, my knuckleball dances.
Do you wish the knuckleball would come back into baseball?
That's impressive! Using a knuckleball in softball, especially with varying wind conditions, sounds like a real game-changer. It's great to hear it's been so effective for you. I definitely miss seeing more knuckleballers in baseball-it adds such a unique element to the game. How do you think current players and teams would adapt if the knuckleball made a comeback?
@@baseballspark I do wish the knuckleball would make a comeback. even if a couple pitchers just added it to their arsenal. But I wonder if these stupid new clocks would affect a knuckleball pitcher and catcher? Because it is no easy task catching for a knuckleball pitcher a lot more time will be needed for and in between pitches.
@robertflint4115 That's a great point! The new pitch clocks do add an interesting twist to the use of the knuckleball. Since catching a knuckleball is notoriously tricky, the reduced time between pitches could indeed put extra pressure on catchers and pitchers alike. It requires a catcher who is very skilled and adaptable, as the unpredictable nature of the knuckleball means more potential passed balls and wild pitches. If a pitcher and catcher aren't perfectly in sync, especially under the constraints of a pitch clock, it could lead to more game delays or errors. But it would be fascinating to see how teams might adapt their strategies to incorporate the knuckleball effectively within these new rules. What do you think teams could do to overcome these challenges?
Today’s MLB is all about consistency. The knuckleball however, as much as I love it, is incredibly inconsistent. The greats of the knuckleball understood when to throw it and when to throw fastballs or curveballs to complement it.
You're absolutely right! The knuckleball is such a unique pitch due to its unpredictability. It's fascinating to see how pitchers who master it use this to their advantage, balancing it with other pitches to keep hitters off balance. It definitely adds an exciting layer of strategy to the game. Thanks for bringing up this interesting aspect of baseball! It's always great to hear from fans who appreciate the intricacies of pitching.
Padres Waldron i believe is the only knuckleball pitcher right now
That's right! Matt Waldron is currently one of the rare knuckleball pitchers in professional baseball, and it's really interesting to watch him play. It's a pitch that's not only tricky for batters but also a challenge for catchers to handle. Do you think the Padres will see benefits from having such a unique pitching style in their rotation?
There're a couple of younger pitchers with the Jays' farm system who are experimenting with it.
That’s fascinating! The knuckleball is such a unique pitch, and it's great to hear that some of the young pitchers in the Jays' farm system are experimenting with it. It could really set them apart if they manage to master it.
Knuckleballs has always been a specialty pitch that was commonly used by pitchers that used it as their primary pitches. Never was prevalent and has become less relevant in the 100 mph fastball era.
I still believe that if a girl learned how to throw a knuckleball and could hit the low 80's fastball. It would be the best chance for a woman to make it men's professional sports.
That's a really interesting take! The knuckleball indeed stands out as a pitch that doesn't rely on sheer velocity, which could level the playing field in ways that traditional pitches might not. If a female pitcher could master the knuckleball while also delivering a decently fast fastball, it could definitely challenge the norms and potentially open doors in men's professional baseball. This combination could make her pitching arsenal unpredictable and difficult to counter, providing a unique edge. It would not only be groundbreaking for the sport but also a significant step toward inclusivity in professional leagues. What a fascinating scenario to consider!