The Curious Case of Baseball Pitchers Who Mix in a Knuckleball

Baseball is a game full of surprises, and occasionally, pitchers find themselves using unconventional pitches to outwit their batters. One such interesting pitch is the knuckleball, which is known for its erratic motion and difficulty to control. While few pitchers are primarily known for throwing the knuckleball, several have been known to mix it in with their other pitches to add an element of surprise to their deliveries. Let's explore some notable examples of pitchers who have used the knuckleball in their repertoire.

Notable Pitchers Who Mixed in a Knuckleball

R.A. Dickey

Dickey, a well-known knuckleball pitcher, has occasionally used other pitches in his pitching arsenal, including a fastball and a slider. While he is best known for his knuckleball, his ability to complement it with other pitches allows him to keep batters guessing and off balance.

Tim Wakefield

Wakefield, similar to Dickey, is primarily recognized for his knuckleball prowess. However, he also occasionally incorporated a fastball and other pitches into his pitching mix to keep the batters on their toes. His versatility and unpredictability have made him a formidable pitcher.

Mike Mussina

Mussina, a former Hall of Fame pitcher, famously used the knuckleball as a secondary pitch, particularly to surprise batters later in his career. His decision to incorporate this challenging pitch into his repertoire showcases his tactical depth and adaptability.

Clayton Kershaw

Kershaw, a dominant pitcher on the Los Angeles Dodgers, has been known to throw a knuckleball in practice and during games as a surprise pitch. Leveraging his impressive fastball and breaking balls, he can effectively use the knuckleball to confuse batters who are not expecting it.

Tot Pressnell

Pressnell is another interesting case. Although primarily a knuckleball pitcher in the mold of Hoyt Wilhelm and Phil Niekro, he also threw the pitch sidearm. This unique delivery style, combined with his curveball and fastball, made him a versatile and effective pitcher.

Larry French

French, a pitcher who amassed nearly 200 wins over 14 seasons, incorporated the knuckleball into his pitching style. Describing it as a convenient change of pace, French showed how different pitchers can find ways to utilize this challenging pitch. While French was not primarily a knuckleball pitcher, his experimentation with it demonstrates its potential in the repertoire of modern pitchers.

Nelson Potter

Another pitcher who used the knuckleball, Nelson Potter, threw for 12 seasons until he was 37 years old. Some questioned the legitimacy of his knuckleball, suggesting it might have been a spitball, though Potter denied it. Despite speculation, Potter's use of the knuckleball during an era when it was not legal (though widely used anyway) highlights its historical significance in the sport.

The knuckleball has played a significant role in baseball history, from Hall of Famer Early Wynn to pitchers like Emil “Dutch” Leonard and John Niggeling. These pitchers demonstrated that while the knuckleball is challenging to master, its effectiveness in surprising batters makes it a valuable addition to a pitcher's arsenal.

From past to present, the knuckleball remains a fascinating and unpredictable pitch that continues to captivate baseball fans and pitchers alike.