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Knuckle CurveIn Major League history, the term knuckle curve has actually referred to two entirely different pitches. The first is a breaking pitch which is thrown with a grip similar to its namesake, the knuckleball. However, while the object of a standard knuckleball is to make the ball spin as little as possible, in a knuckle-curve the index and middle fingers push the top of the ball forward at the moment of release, making the ball spin in the same direction as a normal curveball. The ball then curves downward, similar to a normal curveball. Because the ball is spun only with the motion of the index and middle fingers, the ball does not spin as fast as a curveball, and hence the break is not as sharp, and somewhat less predictable. However, because the 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. The most famous practitioner of this type of knuckle curve was Major League pitcher Burt Hooton, who played for the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers from the mid 1970's to mid 1980's. The second, more common pitch termed the knuckle curve, is really simply a standard curveball, thrown with one or more of the index or middle fingers bent. According to practictioners, this allows them to get a better grip on the ball, and thus impart a tighter spin and greater movement. Otherwise, its characteristics are those of a standard curveball. This version of the knuckle curve is currently used by Major League pitcher Mike Mussina http://www.baseball-reference.com/m/mussimi01.shtml.
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