7/2 @Toronto

[SoxHop]

Does anyone here know what a "knuckle curve" is and how to throw it?

 

As I understand it, the thing that makes a curve ball 'curve' is that the spin on the ball creates a low pressure zone in front and at the side of a ball that the ball "falls into", hence making it curve.

But the thing that makes a knuckle ball effective is that the lack of spin on the ball allows it to be succeptable to the slight variations in air currents.

 

So since spin makes a curve ball 'curve' but lack of spin is what makes a knuckle ball work, what does a knuckle curve look like?

 

I always thought it was just a curve, but the pitcher had better control using a knuckle on the ball...

 

but I looked it up......... and their are variations.......... which are very interesting.....

 

The first, more common pitch called the knuckle curve is really a standard curveball, thrown with one or more of the index or mean 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 pitchers Phil Hughes and Brad Peacock. Mike Mussina was well known for his incorporation of the pitch into his repertoire. Justin Verlander formerly threw a knuckle curve but was forced to abandon the pitch due to problems with blisters.[1] This knuckle curve is usually called the spike curve by MLB players and coaches because the pitch is nothing like a knuckleball.

[Jasonbay44]

Just like that Mookie is on pace for a 30/30 season and his average is up to .287. I knew a hot streak was coming

[SoxHop]

This one is interesting....

 

The second type of knuckle curve is a breaking ball that 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 a fastball, 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.

[SoxHop]

And.... the last variation...

 

The third type of knuckle curve was thrown by Dave Stenhouse in 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 by Jesse Haines and Freddie Fitzsimmons. The pitch would be perfected by Chicago White Sox legend Hoyt Wilhelm during the later stages of his career, after flirting with it for most of his time in the majors.

[OH FOY]

hahahaha Eck!

[SoxHop]

Might look silly but the Jays wear red for Canada Day weekend.

 

I like the red Maple Leaf hat...........

[OH FOY]

I like Moreland quiet kid does his job. Be a good Patriot.

[SoxHop]

Come on........ one more and we can say we scored two touchdowns...

[Station 13]

This is playing wonders on our runs total. lol

[OH FOY]

JBJ has Patriot qualities, quiet does his job. Those are the best.

[Jasonbay44]

Luis Severino getting rocked. Yankees down 5-0 in 4th. Could be up 3 games by end of the day

[SoxHop]

A-Bad infuriates me. Not because he hasn't been good.

 

He has some really great pitches, can hit mid 90's.......... just can't get over the hump to be really good.

[OH FOY]

A-Bad infuriates me. Not because he hasn't been good.

 

He has some really great pitches, can hit mid 90's.......... just can't get over the hump to be really good.

 

Agree

[OH FOY]

Going to the Portland game tonight to see Trey Ball pitch, talk about infuriate.

[SoxHop]

Going to the Portland game tonight to see Trey Ball pitch, talk about infuriate.

 

Make sure to stop in at Forest Gardens and enjoy the beautiful bathroom before having some pre-game beers....

[OH FOY]

Hartford

[d-money]

I can't wait till that Yankees series again. You cannot let those bums take 4 out of 5 against us. We are better team than they're are.

[OH FOY]

I got some real good seats to see the great Trey Ball, went last night too.

[d-money]

I got some real good seats to see the great Trey Ball, went last night too.

 

How did he pitch?

[d-money]

I love all these runs but wish they saved some for tomorrow. Limp dick's going for us!

[SoxHop]

Have any of you noticed....... Eck keeps messing up and replacing Price's name for other players name......

 

Last night he wanted to say Sale....... and said Price......... and just now he said Price instead of Ortiz......

[SoxHop]

Wow....... what a series..........

[d-money]

Wow....... what a series..........

 

Sure was! Hope we finish strong before the all start break!!!

[OH FOY]

Ball is pitching tonight, Devers hit a bomb last night. I like Chavis we still got some kids. De La Guerra hit it hard last night Like him. 1st game Stankiewicz looked good. Edited July 2, 2017 by OH FOY!

[OH FOY]

We cant lose anymore, Longhi or Trey Ball because of Rule 5 Draft WOW!

[Kimmi]

Wow....... what a series..........

 

Outstanding series, both from a pitching and an offensive standpoint. Great way to start the road trip going into the break.

 

Let's keep it going in Texas!

[Beaneater]

Abad getting a save in a 14-run game is pure awesome.

[SoxHop]

Abad getting a save in a 14-run game is pure awesome.

 

ahahaah...... see......... this whole team is kicking ass now....

[Bellhorn04]

What's really nice is that Kimbrel, Barnes and Kelly all got 2 days off in a row.

[Spudboy]

So I guess Mookie can get some RBI hitting lead off.