|
In Major League history, the term knuckle curve has actually referred to two entirely different pitches. Major League Baseball (MLB) is the highest level of play in professional baseball in the world. ...
The first is a breaking pitch which is thrown with a grip similar to its namesake, the knuckleball. However, while the object of a standard knuckleball is to make the ball spin as little as possible, in a knuckle-curve the index and middle fingers push the top of the ball forward at the moment of release, making the ball spin in the same direction as a normal curveball. The ball then curves downward, similar to a normal curveball. Because the ball is spun only with the motion of the index and middle fingers, the ball does not spin as fast as a curveball, and hence the break is not as sharp, and somewhat less predictable. However, because the knuckle curve can be thrown with the same general motion as a fastball, it is more deceptive than a normal curveball. This kind of knuckle curve is rare - it is easier to control than a standard knuckleball, but still difficult to master. The most famous practitioner of this type of knuckle curve was Major League pitcher Burt Hooton, who played for the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers from the mid 1970's to mid 1980's. In the present day, St. Louis Cardinals closer Jason Isringhausen throws the knuckle curve. In baseball, a breaking ball is a pitch which does not travel straight like a fastball as it approaches the batter. ...
A knuckleball (or knuckler for short) is a baseball pitch thrown so as to minimize the spin of the ball in flight. ...
Curveball Pitch Curveball Pitch The curveball is a type of pitch in baseball thrown with a grip and hand motion that induces extra rotation on the ball causing it to break, to fly in a more exaggerated curve than would be expected. ...
The fastball is the most common type of pitch in baseball. ...
Burt Carlton Hooton (born February 7, 1950 in Greenville, Texas) is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher who played for the Chicago Cubs (1971_75), Los Angeles Dodgers (1975-84) and Texas Rangers (1985). ...
Major league affiliations National League (1876-present) Central Division (1994-present) East Division (1969-1993) Major league titles World Series titles (2) 1908 • 1907 NL Pennants (16) 1945 • 1938 • 1935 • 1932 1929 • 1918 • 1910 • 1908 1907 • 1906 • 1886 • 1885 1882 • 1881 • 1880 • 1876 Central Division titles (1) 2003 East Division...
Major league affiliations National League (1890-present) West Division (1969-present) American Association (1884-1889) Major league titles World Series titles (6) 1988 • 1981 • 1965 • 1963 1959 • 1955 NL Pennants (21) 1988 • 1981 • 1978 • 1977 1974 • 1966 • 1965 • 1963 1959 • 1956 • 1955 • 1953 1952 • 1949 • 1947 • 1941 1920 • 1916 • 1900...
Major league affiliations National League (1892-present) Central Division (1994-present) Eastern Division (1969-1993) American Association (1882-1891) Major league titles World Series titles (9) 1982 •1967 • 1964 • 1946 1944 • 1942 • 1934 • 1931 1926 NL Pennants (16) 2004 • 1987 • 1985 • 1982 1968 • 1967 • 1964 • 1946 1944 • 1943 • 1942 • 1934...
Jason Derik Isringhausen (born September 7, 1972 in Brighton, Illinois) is a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball, and is currently the closer for the St. ...
The second, more common pitch termed the knuckle curve, is really simply a standard curveball, thrown with one or more of the index or middle fingers bent. According to practictioners, this allows them to get a better grip on the ball, and thus impart a tighter spin and greater movement. Otherwise, its characteristics are those of a standard curveball. This version of the knuckle curve is currently used by Major League pitcher Mike Mussina [1]. Mike Mussina (left) and Ben McDonald on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1994. ...
|
Feeds |
Contact