knuckleball

Knuckleball is a baseball pitch delivered with little to no spin, producing an erratic, unpredictable flight. The pitcher usually grips the ball with the fingertips or knuckles on or near one or more seams, releases with minimal wrist snap, and avoids applying significant backspin. Because the ball has almost no spin, airflow around the seams causes irregular movement that can drift, dive, or suddenly change direction as it approaches home plate. Typical velocity is significantly slower than a fastball, commonly in the 60 to 80 mph range, making timing difficult for hitters.

The pitch's effectiveness rests on its deception: the lack of consistent spin makes it hard to pick up the ball's trajectory off the pitcher's hand, and the seam pattern can cause late, unpredictable movement. Catchers must be prepared for erratic hops and may have trouble framing some pitches, while pitchers must maintain careful mechanics to avoid excessive variation in delivery.

The knuckleball has a long history in baseball, with early practitioners appearing in the early 20th century. It gained prominence through pitchers such as Hoyt Wilhelm, Phil Niekro, and Tim Wakefield. In the modern era, R. A. Dickey won the Cy Young Award in 2012 with a knuckleball-centric repertoire. Though not commonly used as a primary pitch, the knuckleball remains a strategic option for pitchers seeking movement without relying on velocity and for extending careers by reducing arm stress.