Luke Lloyd '15 Recruiting Profile

Okay. I have to say it. I have to admit this. So, here it goes. Are you ready? I am a knuckleball pitcher. There! I said it. That wasn’t too hard...or was it?

In my opinion, the knuckleball is the most exciting pitch in baseball. But, I’ve learned that most people just don’t know very much about it and, therefore, discount it as a legitimate pitch. Thereby, they discount knuckleball pitchers, too. They don’t know how to teach it or improve upon it. They say it’s a trick pitch or a gimmick. It’s unpredictable. All that is simply wrong. They are really just missing out!

Knuckleball pitchers are rare. That's fact. It’s a hard pitch to master. I would guess that to be fact since it isn't used very much. I’ve been throwing a knuckleball since I was ten years old and started for no particular reason. Then I began using it in my arsenal of pitches when I was twelve because I started seeing some potential using it. I began using the knuckball full-time as a sophomore in high school in 2013. I am still learning more about the pitch and that just makes the pitch more exciting. I am getting better! Unfortunately, it's a more time-consuming process since very few are educated on the ins-and-outs of the pitch. Generally speaking, I'm all alone.

My Dad originally taught me how to pitch, but neither he nor any one coach since was able to show me how to throw a knuckle, the right way to stride for it, the right motion, or whatever. Of course, I have had great general pitching instruction from many and I am thankful to those for helping me improve my overall pitching mechanics and find different grips. Although I didn't grow up watching the Niekro brothers (I am a bit too young), ironically I am only five miles from where they grew up and I earned my first varsity win at the diamond named after them. Must be something in the area water? Phil held a camp in Bridgeport a couple years back and told the campers, "A knuckleball pitcher must live and die by the knuckle!" I didn't know about the camp, but that was my influence to be a full-time knuckleball pitcher. I am hoping Phil makes his way back to the valley soon so I can pick up a few more great pointers from, arguably, the best knuckler ever.

First and foremost, a good pitcher needs to be able to throw strikes. That has never been a problem for me! A better pitcher also knows when to throw a pitch for a ball. Most importantly, a really good pitcher knows hows to keep the batter off-balance. Right now I am in the top three of my class and tied for valedictorian. I guess my intelligence has helped me in that respect, too. I enjoy confusing batters. But, the only thing tricky about the knuckleball is getting new umpires to recognize the strikes. They, understandably, get confused at first, too, because they don't see it often. We get to know each other real quickly.

As a sophomore, I earned major wins beating the OVAC Division II and III champs among other games. I’ll be the first to admit though, stats for knuckleball pitchers are up and down. Some days are better than others. But, we knuckleball pitchers are confident in our pitch and in ourselves. It’s amazing how our teams rally around us, too. Maybe it’s because they know they are more involved because knuckleballer’s generate more pop-ups, more catchable fly balls, more hops, and we keep the catcher on his toes. We generate our share of strikeouts, too. It’s even more amazing to me how after the games, and many times during, the other team and coaches want to talk about my knuckleball.

I am grateful to my coaches for having the confidence in my abilities and my special pitch. They have taken a chance on a unique pitch and are earning several wins for it. We aren’t done yet and I am pumped for what's to come. But, the question remains, why are not more coaches interested? Why don't colleges want an invaluable, different, rare, and exciting pitch?

I’ve read that coaches have three claims against the knuckleball;
 

• It can’t be controlled - False! Depending on how I grip the ball, I typically know where the ball should end up... just like a curve, slider, fastball, or change-up. Of course, I can grip the ball certain ways that make it somewhat unpredictable. That tends to be a situational pitch.


• Catcher’s have a hard time catching the ball - Mostly false! The pitch keeps the catcher on his toes and he must be more alert. That’s not a bad thing. But, I have also helped my catcher by providing him with a special, larger glove made to help catch knuckleballs.


• They’ll get big hits - Possible. Hey!  This is baseball after all. Hits are part of the game. So are strikes, balls, and strikeouts. Those happen, too. But, all pitchers can have big hits against them. Even the best professional pitchers have big hits against them.

My knuckleball speed obviously varies to keep batters off-balance, but it tops out around 70. I also throw a fastball, which nears the mid-80's, and curve. My GPA is 4.5. My ACT is currently a 26 and I am targeting a 30 or better by the time college comes around. I don't do drugs or alcohol. I'm responsible. I go to church every week. I'm a good "kid" (young man). I would love to continue playing baseball in college. I know I have the top grades, the talent to compete at the next level, and the ability to manage both. I've got what it takes and what coaches like. By helping me, a college can assist me in helping them!

The bottom line is that I am a pitcher. I throw strikes. I just throw a knuckleball full-time, too. I am rare. I am legitimate. I’ve attended several college camps and spoke with the their coaches only to be told that “we typically don’t recruit knuckleball pitchers!” They then don’t even take a look while they have the chance. They just immediately discount it! What a shame for the most confusing pitch in baseball!

Baseball is a game based on strategy and mixing it up. Several coaches once took a chance on past knucklers, the likes of such greats as Hoyt Wilhelm, both Phil and Joe Niekro, Tim Wakefield, and R.A. Dickey. There is good reason all these pitchers had long and very successful careers, too. I know that any coach who truly understands this great game would be willing to take a chance on a knuckleballer, improve his team and find ways improve his rare knuckleball pitcher. Are you that coach??

For your consideration! 

Respectfully,
Luke "The Knuckler" Lloyd

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