Knockerball, aka baseball with a ball with no spin, is known for its unpredictable trajectories and often results in curiosities and unusual occurrences on the field. Here are a few of those instances.
Unpredictable ball behavior
Bouncing and bouncing. The Knockerball often changes direction in flight, resulting in funny and unexpected bounces. There have been instances where the ball suddenly veers off course, causing batters and catchers to dribble past it.
The players are confused. Sometimes knockerballs are so unpredictable that infielders simply can’t catch it, leading to comical situations where the ball goes past everyone and results in extra points.
Catcher Mistakes
Missed balls. Because the trajectory of a knockerball can change dramatically, catchers often miss the ball, resulting in wild throws and sometimes runners managing to steal a base.
Failed attempts to catch the ball. There have been times when catchers have tried to catch the knockerball, but because of its unpredictability, the ball just slips past them, sometimes hitting them in unexpected places, causing laughter in the stands.
Laughter in the locker room
Funny talk. Players often joke about unpredictable knockerballs in the locker room. There have been instances where pitchers who have successfully used the knockerball have become the heroes of jokes and funny stories.
Audience reactions
Surprise and laughter. Spectators are often surprised and laugh at unpredictable knockerballs. There have been instances where the ball abruptly changes trajectory just before reaching the batter, causing loud laughter and applause.
Comical scenes on the field
Ridiculous attempts to catch the ball. Fielders sometimes make comical attempts to catch a knockerball that suddenly changes trajectory. This leads to funny scenes of players falling, tripping, or jumping in unexpected directions.
Unpredictable ball rolls. There have been instances where a ball thrown as a knockerball suddenly flies out of the outfield, causing confusion and laughter from everyone in attendance.
Unique pitchers
Unusual pitching styles. Some pitchers known for their skill at pitching knockerballs develop unique and funny pitching styles, which adds an extra element of entertainment to the game.
These curiosities emphasize the funny and unpredictable nature of knockerball, making it one of the most interesting and comical aspects of baseball.
Famous Knockerballers
Some baseball players have become famous for their skill at pitching knockerball. Here are a few of the most famous knockerballers in baseball history:
Phil Niekro.
Career. Niekro played in the MLB from 1964 to 1987, spending most of his career with the Atlanta Braves.
Accomplishments. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997. He won 318 games and had over 3,000 strikeouts, making him one of the most successful Knockerball players in history.
Hoyt Wilhelm.
Career. Wilhelm played from 1952 to 1972, playing for numerous teams including the New York Giants and Baltimore Orioles.
Accomplishments. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985. He is known as one of the first successful knockerballers and was the first pitcher to make 200 saves.
Charlie Hough.
Career. Hough played from 1970 to 1994, spending most of his career with the Texas Rangers.
Achievements. Hoff made over 200 wins during his career and is known for his durability and skill at pitching the Knockerball.
Tim Wakefield.
Career. Wakefield played in MLB from 1992 to 2011, mostly for the Boston Red Sox.
Achievements. Two-time World Series champion (2004, 2007). Wakefield was known for his reliable and consistent knockerball, which helped him remain competitive throughout his long career.
Steve Sparks
Career. Sparks played in MLB from 1995 to 2004 for several teams including the Milwaukee Brewers and Anaheim Angels.
Achievements. Although Sparks did not achieve superstar status, he was known as a reliable knuckleballer who helped his teams’ starting pitcher rotation.
R.A. Dickey.
Career. Dickey played in MLB from 2001 to 2017 for several teams, including the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays.
Accomplishments. Recipient of the Cy Young Award in 2012 when he played for the New York Mets. Dickey has made significant strides using the Knockerball as his primary throw and has become one of the most famous modern Knockerball players.
These players made significant contributions to baseball history by demonstrating the skill and effectiveness of the knockerball. Their careers exemplify how this unique throw can be used to achieve success at the highest level.