In this blog post, we’ll share 16 weird pitching styles exhibited by both current and former Major League Baseball players. Ranging from submarine techniques to unconventional over-the-head deliveries, one of these is sure to captivate and amaze you. Our earlier articles were about the rich history of baseball, highlighting the myriad personalities that have left their mark on the sport. Our aim is to enlighten you about the intricacies of the game, fostering a deeper appreciation for baseball. Here is our compilation of 16 Major League Baseball players past and present with the craziest pitching styles.
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1. Sid Fernandez
[Career: 1983-1997]
Sid Fernandez was notorious for his sidearm delivery and a high leg kick, creating a unique and challenging angle for hitters to face.
2. Dan Quisenberry
[Career: 1979-1990]
Dan Quisenberry was known for his submarine-style pitching, releasing the ball sidearm with a low and sweeping motion, baffling many hitters.
3. Kent Tekulve
[Career: 1974-1989]
Kent Tekulve‘s overhand sidearm delivery, combined with his tall stature, made his pitches appear to come from an unusual and deceptive angle.
4. Hideo Nomo
[Career: 1995-2008]
Hideo Nomo was famous for his “Tornado” windup, where he would turn his back to the batter before delivering his pitches, adding an element of unpredictability.
5. Terry Leach
[Career: 1981-1993]
Terry Leach relied on a slow and deliberate underhand delivery, often catching batters off guard with his change of pace and unorthodox approach.
6. Johnny Cueto
[Career: 2008-Present]
Johnny Cueto is known for his creative windup and varying delivery speeds, making it difficult for hitters to time their swings against his diverse repertoire.
7. Dennis Eckersley
[Career: 1975-1998]
Dennis Eckersley transitioned from a traditional starter to a dominant closer, utilizing pinpoint control and a devastating slider to secure outs in the late innings.
8. Tom Candiotti
[Career: 1983-1998]
Tom Candiotti was a knuckleball pitcher, relying on the unpredictable movement of this pitch to keep hitters off balance and guessing.
9. Jesse Orosco
[Career: 1979-2003]
Jesse Orosco was a left-handed reliever known for his durability and longevity. His sidearm delivery and wide range of pitches made him effective against both left- and right-handed hitters.
10. José Cuas
[Career: 2022-Present]
José Cuas features a unique submarine-style delivery, releasing the ball from a very low angle, creating challenges for batters to pick up the flight of the pitch.
11. Jeff Innis
[Career: 1987-1993]
Jeff Innis had a unique and deceptive throwing motion, releasing the ball from a low angle. This delivery made it challenging for hitters to pick up the ball early and contributed to his effectiveness as a relief pitcher, esp. against right-handed batters. On a personal note, I met Jeff Innis after the Mets-Yankees Exhibition Game outside of Yankee Stadium in April of 1991. I’ll always remember how nice Jeff Innis was to me when I approached him for an autograph.
12. Mitch Williams
[Career: 1986-1997]
Mitch Williams, known as “Wild Thing,” had an unorthodox delivery with an exaggerated leg kick. His fiery approach and unpredictable pitches made him a memorable closer.
13. Adam Cimber
[Career: 2018-Present]
Adam Cimber employs a sidearm delivery, and his ability to generate movement on his pitches from this angle makes him challenging for hitters to square up against.
14. Pat Neshek
[Career: 2006-2019]
Pat Neshek features an unusual sidearm delivery, and his unorthodox mechanics, coupled with a variety of off-speed pitches, make him a deceptive and effective relief pitcher.
15. Josh Collmenter
[Career: 2011-2017]
Josh Collmenter gained attention for his overhand delivery and the “Tomahawk Chop,” a high leg kick, creating deception and making his pitches difficult for batters to read.
16. Tyler Rogers
[Career: 2019-Present]
Tyler Rogers showcases a unique submarine delivery, releasing the ball from an extremely low arm angle. His delivery style, combined with a sinker, poses challenges for hitters.