Strangest Pitching Deliveries in MLB History

In the rich tapestry of Major League Baseball (MLB), pitchers exhibit a wide array of pitching styles, with some posessing the most unusual and effective deliveries. From sidearm to submarine-style, these distinctive pitching motions not only amaze fans but also baffle opponents. Here, we delve into some of the most peculiar and unique pitching deliveries in the history of MLB.

1. Adam Cimber: The Sidearm Specialist

Adam Cimber is a sidearm pitcher who has made a mark in baseball with his unorthodox pitching style. His unique delivery has proven to be both strange and effective, catching batters by surprise and leading to unexpected outcomes in games.

2. Juan Marichal: The Versatile Pitching Wunderkind

Juan Marichal’s pitching form was not only peculiar but also dynamic. Remembered for his ability to switch between overhand and sidearm pitches, Marichal’s versatility was a key factor in his success. He demonstrated this unique trait in the 1950 All-Star Game where he got Joe DiMaggio to ground out in a game-ending double play. Marichal’s ability to change his pitching style on the fly made him a formidable opponent.

3. Luis Tiant: The Wind-Up Twist

Truly unique and unconventional, Luis Tiant’s wind-up involved an almost complete twist around to second base before retwisting and releasing the pitch. This bizarre motion not only amazed spectators but also left batters guessing, making him a memorable and intriguing figure in baseball history.

4. Ewell Blackwell: The Nicknamed “The Whip”

Ewell Blackwell was known by many, but most famously as “The Whip,” due to his sidearm snap delivery. Blackwell’s pitching motion was so unique that it even helped him win games. His pitch was so effective that he won the 1946 All-Star Game by defeating Joe DiMaggio, and he pitched a no hitter in 1947. His skill and uniqueness in the pitching world cannot be overstated.

5. Ted Abernathy and Ramon Hernandez: The Underhanded Finish

Ted Abernathy and Ramon Hernandez were two pitchers who used an underhanded/sidearm delivery that was both effective and baffling. Ted was a reliever for the Redlegs (now Cincinnati Reds), and Ramon used a wrist snap that made the ball seemingly disappear until it was nearly halfway to the plate. Both pitchers were known for their effectiveness and left batters guessing, which is perhaps the ultimate test of a pitcher’s skill.

Additionally, recall the spectacle of Todd Stottlemyre’s eephus pitch or witnessing roundhouse curves that baffle the senses. Perhaps the most unique was Dick Hyde, the submarine-ball pitcher from the early 1960s. Hyde’s delivery was so low that his pitching hand nearly touched the ground, making him a visual spectacle on the mound. The 1965 Baltimore Orioles season featured a game where Hyde not only pitched but also fielded with his submarine style, as documented in the above description. Such unorthodox forms exemplify the breadth and depth of unique pitching styles in baseball.

These pitchers and their unusual deliveries are a testament to the creativity and adaptability of baseball players. Each delivery is a marvel that not only alters traditional views on pitching but also adds an extra layer of excitement to the game, making every pitch a thrilling experience.