Watch Knuckleball!
- NR
- 2012
- 1 hr 33 min
-
7.1 (1,766)
Knuckleball! is a 2012 documentary film about the art and science of the knuckleball pitch in baseball, as told through the story of two Major League Baseball (MLB) players: Tim Wakefield and R.A. Dickey. The film is directed by Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg and features interviews with various players, coaches, and experts on the knuckleball.
The film begins by showing the history of the knuckleball pitch in baseball, from its origins in the 19th century to its current use in MLB. The film then focuses on the stories of Wakefield and Dickey, two pitchers who have made the knuckleball pitch a major part of their careers.
Wakefield spent 19 seasons in the MLB, most of them with the Boston Red Sox. He learned how to throw the knuckleball while playing in the minor leagues, and it became his signature pitch. The film shows Wakefield practicing his pitch and giving tips on how to throw it effectively.
Dickey, who won the Cy Young Award in 2012, started his career as a traditional pitcher, but struggled early on. He then learned the knuckleball pitch and became one of the best knuckleball pitchers in the league. The film highlights Dickey's journey to the top and the challenges he faced along the way.
Throughout the film, various experts on the knuckleball pitch provide their insights, including former players Jim Bouton and Charlie Hough, and current players including Wakefield and Dickey themselves. The experts all agree that the knuckleball is one of the most difficult pitches to master, but can be very effective when thrown correctly.
The filmmakers also explore the psychological aspect of the knuckleball pitch, which can be mentally taxing for both the pitcher and the catcher. The film shows the catcher's perspective and how they have to adapt to the knuckleball's unpredictable flight path.
The film concludes by showing some of the most memorable moments in knuckleball history, including the 1993 MLB All-Star Game where Wakefield threw a strikeout with a knuckleball to win the game for the American League.
Overall, Knuckleball! is an insightful and engaging documentary that provides a deep look into the art and science of the knuckleball pitch. The film is well-produced, with excellent interviews and footage that will appeal to both baseball fans and non-fans alike. It's a must-see for anyone who is interested in the game of baseball and the unique role that the knuckleball pitch plays in it.
Knuckleball! is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 73.