One of my favorite collections is my Knuckleballer collection.
There is something I have always liked about the Knuckleball. It started with Tim Wakefield. Being a local Red Sox guy, I grew up being mesmerized by the Knuckleball movement.
I started following and collecting current and former knuckleball pitchers afterward. Here are the gems of my collection.
Starting things off is the legendary "Knucksie", Phil Niekro. One of the great ambassadors of the knuckleball... and probably the greatest Knuckleball pitcher of all time. This card is from Playoff Absolute's Absolutely Ink series, serial numbered to 25.
Phil's brother Joe was not quite as successful but still a fantastic Knuckleballer in his own right, winning 221 games. He tragically passed away in 2006. This is from the Upper Deck Yankees Classic Scripts series, and is an on-card auto.
Charlie Hough is probably my number 2 favorite Knuckleballer, after Wakefield. Charlie had so much character and threw such devastating pitches, while being a genuinely nice guy. The first card is a Topps reprint autograph numbered to 70, the second is a TTM success of mine.
Tom Candiotti, seen here wearing the famous Knuckleball #49, was a bit of a Journeyman in the 80's and 90s. He managed to compile 1,735 strikeouts despite a career losing record. This card is from 1996 Leaf Signature.
Steven Wright is one of two (I believe?) current major league Knuckleballers. He currently pitches for the Red Sox and wears #35, like Phil Niekro. This is a Bowman Sterling issue from his tenure with Cleveland.
The author of Ball Four, formerly shunned pitcher Jim Bouton has come back into favor with the Yankees organization, participating in old-timers events. He was a fixture at Wahconah Park in Pittsfield after his retirement. This autograph is from Tristar OBAK.
Tim Wakefield is my favorite Red Sox player of all time. His dazzling Knuckleball, the way he carried himself on the field, and his importance in the Red Sox success in the 2000s earned him a place in many fans' hearts. This card is the most I have ever paid for a loose single card. Tim's certified autos are very uncommon, particularly with low serial numbers and relics. This one is from Upper Deck Spectrum.
Topps Fan Favorites autographs brings us this Wilbur Wood auto'd reprint. Wilbur was a 3-time all-star for the White Sox in the 70's, making him one of only three Knuckleball pitchers to have multiple ASG appearances but not be in the Hall of Fame, the others being Bob Purkey and Dutch Leonard.
R.A. Dickey is the most well-known current Knuckleballer, and the only Knuckleballer ever to win the Cy Young award. This awesome auto/relic comes from Topps Triple Threads (I can't believe I pulled it in a pack!?!?!?)
Finishing things up is the late Hoyt Wilhelm, HOFer and one of the first pitchers to be known as a star relief pitcher, something that was uncommon in his time. Hoyt notched 143 wins and 227 saves.
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