knuckleballer
Butterfly ball thrower
A knuckleballer is a baseball pitcher who specializes in the knuckleball—a slow pitch thrown with minimal spin that moves unpredictably.
The pitch is gripped with the fingertips or knuckles and floats erratically toward the plate, making it difficult for batters and catchers alike.
Knuckleballers are rare because the pitch is hard to master and control: He's the only knuckleballer in the majors right now.
Secure manual hold
- flutteringLight, rapid movement
- floaterSomething buoyant or transient
- catcherMasked diamond position
- passed ballsUncaught pitches allowing advancement
pitcher · mound · windup · delivery · rubber · strikeout · walks · ERA
Secure manual hold
- fingertipsTerminal phalanx pads
- fingernailsKeratin digit coverings
- releaseTo let go
- controlAuthority to direct
touch · finesse · mechanics · arm angle · delivery · mastery · consistency · feel
grip
Secure manual hold
- flutteringLight, rapid movement
- floaterSomething buoyant or transient
- catcherMasked diamond position
passed balls · pitcher · mound · windup · delivery · rubber · strikeout · walks · ERA · bullpen
grip
Secure manual hold
- fingertipsTerminal phalanx pads
- fingernailsKeratin digit coverings
- releaseTo let go
control · touch · finesse · mechanics · arm angle · delivery · mastery · consistency · feel · timing
unpredictable
Cannot be anticipated
- erraticLacking regularity or consistency
- flutteringLight, rapid movement
- dancingRhythmic bodily motion
wobbling · darting · dipping · floating · breaking · swerving · drifting · unhittable · deceptive · slow
- pitchingfastball, slider, curveball, changeup, sinker
- Baseball Peoplepitcher, catcher, shortstop, first baseman, second baseman