The second and third greatest knuckleball pitchers of all time?

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by packs

I will say Niekro does have some whacky seasons under his belt that seem very hard to explain on the surface.

In 1978, he went 19-18, lost more games than anyone else, gave up more hits and earned runs than anyone else, and hit more people than anyone in the league.

But he also somehow led the league in WAR.

The next season it was even weirder. He led the league in both wins and losses after going 21-20, he gave up more hits, home runs, and walks than any other pitcher in the league, but again led everyone in WAR.

It's because he pitched so damn much. WAR seems to reward that. Look at Wilbur Wood's big seasons.

[frankbmd]

Gus Triandos employed an oversized mitt when catching Wilhelm.

Bob Uecker's advice on catching a knuckle ball was

'Wait until it stops rolling and then pick it up"

In his prime Wilbur Wood pitched as a starter every third day for the Pale Hose in the early seventies.

This doesn't merit another thread, but the eephus pitch should be included in any discussion of fringe pitches.

[Balticfox]

Originally Posted by frankbmd

This doesn't merit another thread, but the eephus pitch should be included in any discussion of fringe pitches.

The knuckleball though isn't a fringe pitch. Any pitcher without one in his repertoire is deficient in my book and should be sent down to the minors to improve his craft.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by frankbmd

Gus Triandos employed an oversized mitt when catching Wilhelm.

Bob Uecker's advice on catching a knuckle ball was

'Wait until it stops rolling and then pick it up"

In his prime Wilbur Wood pitched as a starter every third day for the Pale Hose in the early seventies.

This doesn't merit another thread, but the eephus pitch should be included in any discussion of fringe pitches.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JNLBAMmtUk