R.A. Dickey knuckleball success owes a lot to his predecessor Tim Wakefield - MLB News
As R.A. Dickey's success in the season as a knuckleballer continues to impress fans across the country, one cannot ignore the role of Tim Wakefield in this regard. The New York Mets’ starting pitcher admits that Wakefield has played a major role in helping
him fine-tune his knuckleball.
The whole first half of the season belongs to Dickey. The way he hoodwinked batters frequently and forced them to err as he is arguably the best pitcher playing in the season if one goes by the numbers to evaluate him.
However, his instant success has surprised fans that have seen him giving up runs and causing defeats for most part of his career. A sudden return of magic in his hand is intriguing the baseball community and making them curious to ask questions about what
it took for him to bring himself to this level.
In this respect, Dickey unequivocally terms Wakefield as the greatest reason behind it. While praising Wakefield, he clarified that he helped him in fixing his mechanics and throwing the ball in the most suitable manner.
Although he confesses that it took him couple of years to gain the mastery, the start was triggered by Wakefield, he stated.
“He was a guy that really poured a lot into me in a generous way,” said Dickey. “He was the guy who talked to me conceptually about finishing my pitch down the center of my body and that was a mechanical point for me that really helped me to be consistent.
I didn’t get it right away, but I certainly reflected on it time and time again in an effort to throw a consistent knuckleball. He helped me very much.”
Therefore one can say, when Wakefield took retirement, he had prepared his successor in the form of Dickey. He had made sure that the knucklers that he used to throw would not be eliminated after him.
Meanwhile, Dickey will be pleased for having carried the pride of being the only knuckleballer in the current world of baseball. He will be looking forward to bring the continuous improvements in his throws and reach the pinnacle of his potential.
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