Wakefield glad to inspire Japanese schoolgirl Nov 20, 2008
Three Hall of Famers relied on the knuckler: Hoyt Wilhelm, Phil Niekro and Jesse Haines, and the pitch also was associated with Tom Candiotti, Charlie Hough, Joe Niekro, Steve Sparks and Wilbur Wood. Wakefield and Seattles R.A. Dickey were the two most prominent pitchers who were primarily knucklers to appear in the major leagues last season. (MSNBC -- International)
Japanese Girl Makes Pitch for Pro Team Nov 19, 2008
Three Hall of Famers relied on the knuckler: Hoyt Wilhelm, Phil Niekro and Jesse Haines, and the pitch also was associated with Tom Candiotti, Charlie Hough, Joe Niekro, Steve Sparks and Wilbur Wood. Yoshida started playing baseball when she was in the second grade, tagging along with her elder brother, now 19, and played first base on a boy's team in junior high school. (Time.com)
Mariners' Morrow nearly no-hits Yankees in first big-league start Sep 7, 2008
It's been nearly 50 years since the last complete-game no-hitter against the Yankees Hoyt Wilhelm did it for Baltimore on Sept. 20, 1958. Six Houston Astros pitchers combined to no-hit New York at Yankee Stadium on June 11, 2003, a game in which starter left with a strained groin in the second inning. (USA Today -- Sports)
M's clipYankees Sep 6, 2008
Its been nearly 50 years since the last complete-game no-hitter against the Yankees Hoyt Wilhelm did it for Baltimore on Sept. 20, 1958. Six Houston Astros pitchers combined to no-hit New York at Yankee Stadium on June 11, 2003, a game in which starter Roy Oswalt left with a strained groin in the second inning. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Ask Babe: More questions for the Babe Sep 6, 2008
It is signed by Elroy Face, Bob Feller, Hoyt Wilhelm, Joe DiMaggio, Ralph Houk, Al Kaline, Willie Mays, Bob Doerr, Lou Brock, Jim "Catfish'' Hunter, Tony Oliva, Whitey Ford, Early Wynn, Larry Doby, Rocky Colavito, Tom Tresh, Tug McGraw, Willie Stargell, Dick Groat, Warren Spahn, Bill Mazeroski, Lindy McDaniel, Billy Herman and three more that I cannot read. The piece is in mint condition. The 12x16 poster has been dry-mounted and is now framed. -- R. House, Lake Elsinore, Calif. "For a theme... (Scripps Howard News Wire)
No-hitter lost, game isn't Sep 6, 2008
It's been nearly 50 years since the last complete-game no-hitter against the Yankees: The Baltimore Orioles' Hoyt Wilhelm did it Sept. 20, 1958. Phillies 3, Mets 0 - Brett Myers (9-10) buzzed through the Mets' lineup, pitching eight dominant innings in New York, and leading Philadelphia to a victory that cut its NL East deficit to two games. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Chaykun's Corner: Delco legend has backers Sep 1, 2008
"One other person did something like that for me, Hoyt Wilhelm (the former knuckleballer who had a long career in the major leagues)." The purpose of the phone call was to get Vernon's reaction to the news that he is one of 10 former players from the pre-1943 era who have qualified for the Veterans Committee's National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot. The committee, which will include six members of the Hall of Fame and six members of the media, will meet at the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas Dec. 7. (The Delaware County Times, PA)
Dodgers adjusting to Phillies' park Aug 23, 2008
The last time three future Hall of Famers appeared in a game for Los Angeles was June 19, 1972, when Frank Robinson, Hoyt Wilhelm and Don Sutton all played in the same contest. The Dodgers had won six straight and eight of 10 against Philadelphia before Friday's loss. (MLB.com -- Los Angeles Dodgers)
HALL OF FAME CEREMONY Gossage, Williams relish induction Jul 28, 2008
Gossage, a nine-time All-Star, joins Bruce Sutter, Hoyt Wilhelm, Rollie Fingers, and Dennis Eckersley as relievers enshrined in Cooperstown. In Gossage's rookie year, roommate Tom Bradley dubbed him "Goose," saying Gossage looked like a goose when he leaned over on the mound to get the catcher's sign. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Emotional day as Gossage, Williams enter Hall of Fame Jul 28, 2008
The 57-year-old Gossage, a nine-time All-Star, joins Bruce Sutter, Hoyt Wilhelm, Rollie Fingers, and Dennis Eckersley as relievers enshrined in Cooperstown. Gossage told the crowd he developed his unorthodox pitching form as a teen throwing in the backyard with his older brother, who called him a sissy and challenged him to throw harder. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
'Goose' redefined relief pitcher's role Jul 28, 2008
Gossage, a nine-time All-Star, joins Bruce Sutter, Hoyt Wilhelm, Rollie Fingers and Dennis Eckersley as relievers in Cooperstown. All rights reserved. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Gossage relieved, finally in the Hall Jul 27, 2008
" Gossage finished his career as a Seattle Mariner in 1994 with a 124-107 record, 1,502 strikeouts and 3.01 ERA in 1,002 games. He ranks third in both wins in relief (115) and innings pitched in relief (1,556). Of his 310 career saves, Gossage worked more than two innings 52 times (by comparison, prior to the 2008 season, Yankees closer Mariano Rivera had done that just once in 443 saves and San Diego's Trevor Hoffman, the career saves leader, has never done it) and recorded at least six outs in... (Athens Banner-Herald)
Local PONY teams win sectionals Jul 26, 2008
PONY Baseball held its Mustang and Bronco Sectional Championships at Hoyt Wilhelm Fields at Huntersville Athletic Park recently ... Two local teams won their PONY Baseball sectional tournaments at Hoyt Wilhelm Fields at Huntersville Athletic Park last weekend. (Huntersville Herald, NC)
Gossage elected for impact on game Jul 26, 2008
He will follow Hoyt Wilhelm and three others from his own era -- Rollie Fingers, Dennis Eckersley and Bruce Sutter. All except Sutter were starters at some point in their stellar careers. (MLB.com -- Chi White Sox White Sox)
Almost there Jul 25, 2008
He becomes the fifth reliever inducted, joining Hoyt Wilhelm, Rollie Fingers,Dennis Eckersley and Bruce Sutter. Dick Williams. (USA Today -- Sports)
A museum loaded with N.C. history Jul 24, 2008
"We've got a lot more stuff stored,'' noted Lee Gliarmis, one of several local citizens who were instrumental in starting the museum and are pushing to add another display room and hire a full-time director.Gliarmis, 80, is the longtime owner of Dick's Hot Dog Stand and a well-known athletics booster who helped found the Wilson Hot Stove League and preserve Fleming Stadium.But the museum, operated by the city, has a special distinction. It is believed to be the only state baseball museum in the... (News & Observer -- Sports)
'Duke' returns to Midsummer Classic Jul 15, 2008
Only a handful of hurlers have pulled off such a Midsummer Classic combo, and the list includes Hall of Famers Hoyt Wilhelm, Dennis Eckersley, 2008 Cooperstown inductee Goose Gossage and future likely HOFer John Smoltz. "I was a starter for seven years in the Minors, and I've always wanted to do it in the big leagues, so for me the transition from starting to relieving was actually more difficult than it was to go from relieving to starting," Duchscherer explained. (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
Duchscherer earns All-Star double Jul 7, 2008
Hall of Famers Hoyt Wilhelm, Dennis Eckersley and Goose Gossage did it. So did John Smoltz, who'll likely land in Cooperstown, too. (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
THE BONUS: Tim Wakefield and the dying art of the knuckleball Jun 28, 2008
Knuckleball legend Hoyt Wilhelm was one week shy of his 50th birthday when he called it quits. Phil Niekro, a.k.a. "Knucksie", pitched till he was 48. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- MLB)
Notebook: Duchscherer an All-Star? Jun 17, 2008
Only a handful of pitchers, including Dennis Eckersley, John Smoltz, Goose Gossage, Derek Lowe, Hoyt Wilhelm and Bob Stanley, have made the All-Star team as both a starter and a reliever. The A's representative is likely to be a pitcher, in part because that area has been the team's strength and also because the club won't get a position player voted in by the fans and probably won't get any reserves voted onto the team by the AL players. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Mincher's baseball career worthy of Hall Jun 7, 2008
During his career he had home runs off Hall of Fame pitchers Jim Bunning, Rollie Fingers, Whitey Ford, Jim Catfish Hunter, Jim Palmer, Robin Roberts, Nolan Ryan, Hoyt Wilhelm and in the 1965 World Series off Don Drysdale. Mincher was a part of the World Series champion Oakland A s club in 1972. (Madison County Record, AL)
Baseball Today May 9, 2008
1970 Hoyt Wilhelm pitched his 1,000th major league game, but the Atlanta Braves lost 6-5 to the St. Louis Cardinals. 1981 Charlie Lea became the first French-born pitcher to throw a no-hitter as the Montreal Expos beat the San Francisco Giants 4-0 in the second game of a doubleheader. (International Herald Tribune -- Travel)
Maybe an early ejection is all-purpose solution Apr 23, 2008
On today's date in 1952, New York Giant Hoyt Wilhelm the old knuckleballer homered at the Polo Grounds in his first major league at-bat. Wilhelm pitched 1,069 more games in the bigs and never hit another home run. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Q&A with no-hit hurlers Feb 1, 2008
It's like Hoyt Wilhelm once said, "If it was that easy, I should have done it again." He hit a grand slam in his first at-bat and never hit another one. MLB.com: How does the no-hitter rank in regard to your career accomplishments. (MLB.com -- Chi White Sox White Sox)
Hall voters designate one position out Jan 11, 2008
Hoyt Wilhelm was more than a relief pitcher, as was Rollie Fingers. It was Bruce Sutter, with five seasons of just over 100 innings, a losing record and one-third as many blown saves as saves, who really sneaked in, a mystery to most of us who have the purity of the game at heart. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Taking a gander at a rare reliever Jan 10, 2008
isn't the best reliever of all time; Hoyt Wilhelm is. (It's a coin flip between Mariano Rivera and Gossage for No. 2. (Albany Times Union)
Goose gets call to Hall of Fame Jan 10, 2008
When Gossage is inducted July 27, he'll be the fifth Hall of Fame reliever following Hoyt Wilhelm, Rollie Fingers, Dennis Eckersley and Bruce Sutter. Of the five, three pitched for the A's, though Gossage is known for his time with the Yankees (and Padres) much more than his brief period in Oakland (1992, 1993), when his closing days were behind him. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Gossage elected to Hall of Fame Jan 9, 2008
Gossage, who fell short by 21 votes last year, joins Hoyt Wilhelm (1985), Rollie Fingers (1992), Dennis Eckersley (2004) and Bruce Sutter (2006) in Cooperstown s bullpen. Gossage was sitting in a recliner in his living room overlooking the Rocky Mountains when he received the call. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Gossage makes Hall of Fame Jan 9, 2008
Gossage, who fell short by 21 votes last year, joins Hoyt Wilhelm (1985), Rollie Fingers (1992), Dennis Eckersley (2004) and Bruce Sutter (2006) in Cooperstown's bullpen. Gossage was a nine-time All-Star who pitched for nine major league teams from 1972-94 and had 310 saves - 52 of them in which he got seven outs or more. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Gossage finally gets call to Hall Jan 9, 2008
He joins former closers Hoyt Wilhelm, Rollie Fingers, Dennis Eckersley and Bruce Sutter in Cooperstown. Slugger Jim Rice received 72. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Gossage headed for baseball's Hall Jan 9, 2008
"Now it's pretty obvious Rice and Rickey Henderson will go in next year and I might be looking at 2010,'' said Dawson, a Miami native who hit 438 home runs and was the 1987 National League MVP with Chicago. In 2010, players appearing on the ballot for the first time will include Edgar Martinez, Barry Larkin, Andres Galarraga and Fred McGriff. Gossage, who fell short by 21 votes last year, broke into the majors with the Chicago White Sox in 1972. He played 22 seasons, including six with the New... (The Palm Beach Post)
Gossage, Rice await Fame announcement Jan 8, 2008
"I try not to get too excited,'' he said Monday.After falling short eight times in voting for Cooperstown, Gossage was the leading candidate on this year's ballot.advertisementVotes from 10-year members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America had to be in by Dec. 31, and totals were to be released Tuesday.When Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn were elected last year, Gossage was third with 388 votes (71.2 percent), 21 shy of the 75 percent needed for election.Jim Rice was next with 346 (63.5... (MSNBC -- Sports)
On the mound, Goose Gossage scared everyone, including himself Jan 8, 2008
SI.com - Writers - Alex Belth: Gossage was scary -- and scary good - Monday January 7, 2008 5:00PM. Hard-throwing Gossage was scary -- and scary good. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- MLB)
Goose hopes Hall of Fame vote gives relief Jan 7, 2008
Only four pitchers who were primarily relievers have been given baseball's highest honor: Hoyt Wilhelm (1985), Rollie Fingers (1992), Dennis Eckersley (2004) and Bruce Sutter (2006). advertisement. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Gossage seeks relief from Hall Jan 5, 2008
Only four pitchers who were primarily relievers have been given baseball's highest honor: Hoyt Wilhelm (1985), Rollie Fingers (1992), Dennis Eckersley (2004) and Bruce Sutter (2006). Last year, when Cal Ripken Jr. and were voted in, Gossage's percentage increased from 64. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- MLB)
Shaping the Rangers #12: Charlie Hough Dec 11, 2007
In the following year, the organization brought aboard Hoyt Wilhelm in an effort to fine-tune Houghs knuckleball. Hough and Wilhelm, who was nearing the end of his career, became close traveling partners and Hough developed a relationship with the Hall of Famer that would last well after his playing days were over. (Texas, TheInsiders.com)
Dodgers-Red Sox Game for Charity Nov 28, 2007
The Coliseum played host to the second 1959 All-Star Game in which 15 future Hall of Famers participated starting pitcher Don Drysdale, Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Luis Aparicio, Yogi Berra, Nellie Fox, Al Kaline, Mickey Mantle, Eddie Mathews, Willie Mays, Stan Musial, Frank Robinson, Hoyt Wilhelm, Ted Williams and Early Wynn as well as three other Dodger players, Jim Gilliam, Moon and Charlie Neal. . (Los Angeles, TheInsiders.com)
Rays make two option plays Nov 15, 2007
Reyes became the third-oldest pitcher to post his first 20-save campaign behind Hoyt Wilhelm, who saved 21 games for the White Sox in 1963 at age 41, and Ellis Kinder, who converted 27 saves in '53 for the Red Sox at 39. Reyes held opponents to a. (MLB.com -- Tampa Bay Devil Rays)
Colavito says he never put curse on Indians Oct 13, 2007
"I did that once against Hoyt Wilhelm and hit a home run, so I just kept doing it," he says. So did thousands of kids who were Rocky Colavito fans in the '50s and '60s. (Boston Globe)
Jones celebrates 300th career save Sep 17, 2007
Of the other members of the 300-save club, just four -- Hoffman, Dennis Eckersley, Hoyt Wilhelm and Doug Jones -- have more saves at age 37 or older. Todd Jones added three more saves this weekend in a stretch where the Tigers desperately needed wins. (MLB.com -- Detroit Tigers)
Hoffman heeds no call for career exit strategy Sep 13, 2007
Knuckleballer Hoyt Wilhelm saved 132 games after his 40th birthday; Dennis Eckersley 96. Nolan Ryan pitched his seventh no-hitter at age 44. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Sox notes: Fashion police irk Francona Aug 31, 2007
Jesse Orosco, Mike Stanton, John Franco, Dennis Eckersley, Hoyt Wilhelm, Dan Plesac, Kent Tekulve, Lee Smith, Jose Mesa, Mike Jackson, Roberto Hernandez and Goose Gossage. Coming up: Tim Wakefield (16-10, 4. (MLB.com -- Boston Red Sox)
Young's 2 home runs lift Diamondbacks Aug 27, 2007
He will be the seventh reliever to reach the mark (Hoyt Wilhelm leads with 1,359). Overview: The Padres are 14-10 in August and have a solid hold on second place in the NL West. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Haren, A's can't slow hot D'Rays Aug 27, 2007
At 37 years, four months, Reyes became the third-oldest pitcher -- behind Hoyt Wilhelm (41) and Ellis Kinder (39) -- to record his first 20-save season. Haren (14-5) gave up five runs -- three earned -- and four hits in six innings. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Notes: Randolph's Scooter memories Aug 15, 2007
The Official Site of The New York Mets: News: New York Mets News. Shea Stadium/Citi Field. (MLB.com -- NY Mets Mets)
Ripken Jr., Gwynn lobby for others Jul 29, 2007
Now that Bruce Sutter and Dennis Eckersley have joined Rollie Fingers and Hoyt Wilhelm on the list of closers in Cooperstown, momentum appears to be growing for Gossage. "Before there was specialization, Goose Gossage was pitching in all roles -- long relief, setup and short relief -- and he was doing everything for three innings to get a win," Ripken said. (ESPN -- Baseball)
Mesa on cusp of impressive milestone Jul 24, 2007
The Official Site of The Philadelphia Phillies: News: Philadelphia Phillies News. "I want to pitch in 1,000 games and see what happens after that," said Jose Mesa. (MLB.com -- Philadelphia Phillies)
Bay history includes balk, wind and zeros Jul 9, 2007
"The next day in the paper, the banner headline was, 'Miller blown off mound.' You'd think I was pinned against the center-field fence.'' Miller struck out the side in the 10th inning but not until a walk and another error by Boyer had put the AL up 4-3. In the bottom of the inning, knuckleballer Hoyt Wilhelm couldn't stop the All-Star Game wonder that was Mays. Hank Aaron singled, moved to second on a passed ball and scored the tying run on a double by Mays. Roberto Clemente drove in Mays with... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
City by the Bay no stranger to All-Star lore Jul 7, 2007
Facing future Hall of Famer Hoyt Wilhelm, four more Cooperstown-bound stars -- Hank Aaron (single), Mays (RBI double), Frank Robinson (hit by pitch) and Clemente (RBI single) -- collaborated on the two-run rally that lifted the Senior Circuit to a 5-4 triumph. 1984 During pregame festivities, a reminder of 1961 came when an American flag spanning nearly the entire outfield was unfurled. (MLB.com -- San Francisco Giants)
Baseball’s freak pitch Jun 29, 2007
Hoyt Wilhelm and Phil Niekro, a couple of major league pitchers who primarily relied on the knuckleball, are now in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Other prominent knuckleballers include Joe Niekro (Phil s brother), Tom Candiotti and Wilber Wood. (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Logic flutters way off course when it comes to knuckler Jun 25, 2007
Rettenmund, whose playing career dates to two hitless encounters against Hoyt Wilhelm, attacked the knuckleball by anticipating the fastball. Twice a game, Rettenmund figured, a knuckleball pitcher would fall behind in the count and be moved to throw something more conventional. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Pitchers like Smoltz still firing away at 40 May 13, 2007
One was former Braves hurler Lew Burdette; the other, Hoyt Wilhelm, was a knuckleballer. When Roger Clemens rejoins the Yankees in a few weeks, there will be 13 pitchers in their 40s. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Baseball Primer: The Knuckleball Mar 15, 2007
Another legendary knuckleball pitcher was the great Hoyt Wilhelm. Wilhelm was a five time All Star relief pitcher who saved 227 games and won another 143 out of the bullpen. (Suite101.com)
St. Louis Cardinals and the Hall of Fame Mar 11, 2007
Mid Career Yrs StL Yrs TotalBruce Sutter 1981-84 1976-88Hoyt Wilhelm 1957 1952-72Cy Young 1899-1900 1890-1911 ... Three pitchers passed through St. Louis during some part of the middle years of their careers - Bruce Sutter, Hoyt Wilhelm and Cy Young. (St. Louis, TheInsiders.com)
Miller: Reds' veteran stands apart in green clubhouse Mar 1, 2007
" Active games pitched leaders 1. Mike Stanton, 1,109 2. Jose Mesa, 966 3. Mike Timlin, 961 4. Roberto Hernandez, 960 5. Todd Jones 874 Career games pitched leaders 1. Jesse Orosco, 1,252 2. John Franco, 1,119 3. Mike Stanton, 1,109 4. Dennis Eckersley, 1,071 5. Hoyt Wilhelm, 1,070 Source: Baseball-Reference.com Not even Wagner? "There are," he admits, glancing around the clubhouse, "some names in there I've faced that some of these guys might shake their heads at. " Stanton, who signed a... (CBS News)
Almost Made the All-Time Cards Top 40: Modene Feb 27, 2007
Lindy McDaniel (29): Forgotten today in this era of mega-saves and the modern closer, McDaniel may have been the second-or-third greatest relief pitcher of his era, trailing only the venerable Hoyt Wilhelm and maybe Elroy Face. His 1960 season (12 wins, 26 saves, 2. (St. Louis, TheInsiders.com)
• Former major leaguer Berres dies at 99: Kenosha County resident was best remembered as successful pitching coach Feb 3, 2007
Among the pitchers he worked with were Hall of Famers Early Wynn and Hoyt Wilhelm. Bob Lee, who was president and general manager of the Kenosha Twins minor league baseball team from 1984-1991, was a close friend of Berres. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Even Roger Clemens and Greg Maddux can't compare to the ageless Phil Niekro. Jan 18, 2007
SI.com - Writers - John Donovan: Today's fortysomethingsdon't compare to Niekro - Wednesday January 17, 2007 9:10PM. Today's fortysomething stars don't compare to Niekro. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- MLB)
HOFSTETTER:Hard to take the HOF serious Jan 16, 2007
I'm not debating Gossage's worthiness, but his competition lies in Hoyt Wilhelm and Rollie Fingers, not in Tim Raines and Chuck Finley. Bruce Sutter is a great example. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Garvey, John Down HOF List; Hershiser Dropped Jan 10, 2007
Inducted Dodger years 1936 Babe Ruth (c)1938 1939 George Sisler (c)1943; 1946-50 1939 Willie Keeler 1893; 1899-1902 1945 Dan Brouthers 1892-93 1945 Hughie Jennings 1899-00; 1903 1945 Wilbert Robinson (m)1914-31 1946 Joe McGinnity (p, c)1900 1946 Thomas McCarthy 1896 1952 Paul Waner 1941; 1943-44 1954 Rabbit Maranville 1926 1954 Ted Lyons (c)1954 1955 Dazzy Vance 1922-32; 1935 1959 Zach Wheat 1909-26 1961 Max Carey (+m)1926-29 1962 Jackie Robinson 1947-1956 1964 Burleigh Grimes (p, m)1918-26 1964... (Los Angeles, TheInsiders.com)
Gossage inches closer to Hall berth Jan 10, 2007
Last year, Bruce Sutter was the fourth relief pitcher elected to the Hall, following Hoyt Wilhelm (1985), Rollie Fingers (1992) and Dennis Eckersley (2004). History says Gossage has a good chance to get the 75% he needs next year. (USA Today)
Simulation: Non-HOFers vs. HOFers Jan 10, 2007
ESPN.com - MLB/HOF07 - Hall of Famers vs. non-Hall of Famers: Who would win. 0) { ES_showBox(); };ES_searchKeyPress( this. (ESPN -- Baseball)
