Knuckle curve

The Knuckle curve ( suitcase word from Knuckleball and Curveball ) is a collective term for three different throwing techniques of a pitcher in baseball .

• The "obvious" knuckle curve is a throw in which the ball is thrown with the throwing motion of a curveball, but with the bent finger position of a knuckleball. The spin of a curveball is combined with the spinning trajectory of a knuckle ball. This pitch is one of u's favorite throws. a. Mike Mussina and Jonathan Sanchez .
• A second variant is a fast curveball that is thrown with only a light knuckleball grip: this technique has less twist and less spin than the first variant, but is faster. This pitch was u. a. used by Burt Hooton .
• In the third variant, the ball is executed with the bent finger position of a knuckleball, with the "soft" wrist of a curveball, but with the arm movement of a fastball . Despite the “straight” throwing motion, this pitch has the twist of a curve ball and the spin of a knuckle ball. Hoyt Wilhelm in particular was known for this variant.

Web links

• Catcher, interpreter , Chicago Tribune - Article on Jonathan Sanchez 'Knuckle curve
• On this day: Burt Hooton's no-hitter , ESPN.com - Article on Burt Hooton's knuckle curve
• Nobody Hits It , SI.com - Article about Hoyt Wilhelms knuckle curve