Can’t Pitch Fast? Try Baseball’s Slowest Pitch
Slow and Steady Wins the Game?
When we think of baseball, we often picture pitchers hurling fastballs at lightning speeds. However, some pitchers have found success with a different approach: throwing the slowest pitch in baseball – the knuckleball.
What is the Knuckleball?
A knuckleball is a pitch that is thrown at a much slower speed than a traditional fastball. The pitcher grips the ball with their fingertips, using a throwing motion that puts very little spin on the ball, causing it to flutter unpredictably towards the plate.
Who Uses It?
There are a few knuckleballers in the Major Leagues, including R.A. Dickey of the Atlanta Braves, who won the Cy Young award in 2012, and Steven Wright of the Boston Red Sox. Other famous knuckleballers include Tim Wakefield, Charlie Hough, and Phil Niekro.
Why Use It?
Pitchers who throw knuckleballs do so because it is a difficult pitch for batters to hit. The lack of spin on the ball causes it to move in unpredictable ways, making it hard for the batter to make contact with the ball. Additionally, because the pitch is so slow, batters are often thrown off their timing.
Conclusion
So, if you’re not blessed with lightning-fast pitching skills, don’t worry! The knuckleball may be the ticket to your success. While it may take some practice and dedication to master this pitch, it could be the key to baffling batters and becoming a star pitcher on your team. As the saying goes, slow and steady wins the race – or in this case, the game.Original Article: https://www.wired.com/story/can-you-strike-out-a-major-league-player-by-pitching-super-slow/