Knuckleball
A knuckleball is a baseball pitch thrown with the fingernails against the seams of the baseball so as to minimize backspin. The name comes because the batter can see the pitcher's knuckles as the ball is thrown, not because the knuckles are against the ball. A ball thrown in this manner travels at a lower speed than most baseball pitches, but is nevertheless very difficult to hit.
The lack of backspin creates a chaotic airflow over the stitched seams of the baseball and produces an erratic, unpredictable motion. However, this also makes it difficult for the pitcher to control where the pitch is going, and makes the catcher's job quite challenging. As a result, few pitchers use it, although some manage to master the technique and even use the knuckleball almost exclusively. Two knuckleball pitchers are in the Baseball Hall of Fame: Hoyt Wilhelm and Phil Niekro. Other pitchers known for using the knuckleball include Eddie Cicotte, one of the infamous Black Sox, and Joe Niekro, Phil's brother. Active knuckleball pitchers as of 2003 include Tim Wakefield and Steve Sparks.
The knuckleball does not need to be thrown hard (throwing too hard may diminish its effectiveness), and is therefore less taxing an the arm. As a result, some pitchers (such as Jim Bouton) have had success as knuckleballers after their ability to throw hard declined. This also means knuckleball pitchers can throw more innings than orthodox pitchers, and tend to have greater longevity, with some continuing professional careers well into their forties. During the 1945 season, with talent depleted by call-ups to fight in World War 2, the Washington Senators had a pitching rotation which included four knuckleball pitchers Dutch Leonard (36 years old), Johnny Niggeling (41), Mickey "Itsy Bitsy" Haefner (32) and Roger Wolff, who combined for 60 complete games and 60 wins, carrying the Senators to second place.
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