Knuckleballs defy, well, everything. Scouts don't like them because they can't predict them. Physicists hate them because they don't follow any of the rules that govern our universe. (Scientists: Don't check me on that.) Moms hate them because they know this one weird trick.
But when a knuckleball takes flight? Oh, there's nothing more beautiful.
Though the Majors have seen a dearth of knucklers in the last few years, former 44th-round pick Mickey Jannis is trying to change that with the Orioles this spring. And on Saturday night, the cameras caught perhaps the greatest video of a flying object in history. Forget that UFO footage in the New York Times -- this is the aerial phenomena you need to see:
Only 23 knuckleballs were thrown in the big leagues last year -- and those came from position players Erik Kratz and Todd Frazier. (Kratz even had to offer a warning for his.) Jannis, who reached Triple-A in the last two Minor League seasons, is hoping to boost that number.
So far, so good: Jannis has pitched two innings this spring while striking out one, walking one, and giving up one run. He'll also get at least a few more shots to impress.
“He’s my first knuckleballer," Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. "I think you’ll see him on occasion. We’ve been bringing him over as a backup for games. We might schedule him out for another outing or two, but if not, he’ll be used like I have the last couple of times."