The late Joe Niekro was one of the great "Dukes of the Astrodome Diamond." With the wobbler stuff that Joe served up, there was no way most hitters were going to win the timing/surprise battle between batter and pitcher.
The True Duke of the Diamond
by Bill McCurdy
Pitchers may boil up – a hot bitter brew,
With heat that both curves – and curves that will screw.
And they can’t be afraid – to hold back the knuckle,
On weavers and wobblers – that jitter and buckle.
And if they are smart – they will hammer the timing,
Of the batter’s next swing – it’s all so subliming.
Give him the grease ball – when he’s waiting for eighty
Then watch him show early – for the date-dressing lady.
And in those tough games – when your hand hits the dryness,
It may be the time – for some royal wryness.
Just moisten those fingers – before you deliver,
And watch the ball dance weird – from slip-slide to slivver.
Up the ladder – in and out,
With balls that move – on hitter’s doubt,
Is really all – your job’s about.
Just watch ’em come – and get ’em out,
By ground – or air – or the strike out route.
The batter has the club – but the pitcher has the clout.
Tags: Pitching, poetic license
The Pecan Park Eagle 
February 26, 2012 at 2:34 pm |
Good take on that slippery ball Joe delivered , wonder who on our new team will be able to do same
February 27, 2012 at 2:17 am |
Bill, what a great poem – can I include this in the Knuckle Ball program this year? I love your takes on Dad!
Natalie Niekro
February 27, 2012 at 2:26 am |
Natalie, of course you have my full permission to use the poem. I would be most honored and happy for you to include it in the Knuckle Bull program. You know how I feel about your dad and the cause.
February 28, 2012 at 4:37 pm |
Anent the poetical description of the knuckleball, I recall S. T. Coleridge’s descirption of Astro shortstop play, in his early scouting report on the “The Ancient mariner”–“It is an ancient mariner, and he stopped one in three..”
I don’t recall that Stan Musial had any problem with Hoyt Wilhelm’s knuckleball, but there may have been others who frustrated him.