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Knuckle curve

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A common grip used for a knuckle curve

InMajor Leaguehistory, the termknuckle curveorknuckle curveballhas been used to describe three entirely different pitches. All are unrelated to the similar soundingknuckleball.

The first, more modern and commonly used pitch called the knuckle curve is really a standardcurveball,thrown with one or more of the index or middle fingers bent. According to practitioners, this gives them a better grip on the ball and allows for tighter spin and greater movement. In all other respects, this knuckle curve is identical to the standard curveball. This version of the knuckle curve is currently used by Major League pitchersPhil HughesandBrad Peacock.Mike Mussinawas well known for his incorporation of the pitch into his repertoire.Justin Verlanderformerly threw a knuckle curve but was forced to abandon the pitch due to problems with blisters.[1]This knuckle curve is usually called thespike curveby MLB players and coaches because the pitch is nothing like aknuckleball.

The second type of knuckle curve is abreaking ballthat is thrown with a grip similar to the knuckleball. Unlike a knuckleball, which spins very little, a knuckle curve spins like a normal curveball because the pitcher's index and middle fingers push the top of the ball into a downward curve at the moment of release. Since only two fingers produce the spin, however, a knuckle curve does not spin as fast as a curveball, meaning the break is less sharp and less predictable. Because this knuckle curve can be thrown with the same general motion as afastball,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 practitioners of this type of knuckle curve areBurt Hooton,who pitched for theChicago Cubsand theLos Angeles Dodgersfrom the mid-1970s to mid-1980s, and former relieverJason Isringhausen.

The third type of knuckle curve was thrown byDave Stenhousein the 1960s. Stenhouse's knuckle curve was thrown like a fastball but with a knuckleball grip. Stenhouse discovered that this pitch had excellent movement, and when he came to the majors, he utilized it as a breaking pitch. This pitch may have been the same as the knuckleball thrown byJesse HainesandFreddie Fitzsimmons.The pitch would be perfected byChicago White SoxlegendHoyt Wilhelmduring the later stages of his career, after flirting with it for most of his time in the majors.

Notable knuckle curve pitchers[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^Morosi, Jon Paul (2006-05-01)."TIGERS CORNER: Polanco's play 'game-changing'".Detroit Free Press.Archivedfrom the original on 2006-06-24.Retrieved2019-04-05.
  2. ^"How the knuckle-curve works & why it's become so popular".FOX Sports.2014-05-08.Retrieved2019-04-05.

External links[edit]

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