Player Biography
After earning a Purple Heart while serving in World War II, James Hoyt Wilhelm made it to the major leagues in 1952, at age 28. Wilhelm developed his reputation as the master of the knuckleball – a pitch he used effectively in more than 1,000 relief appearances. “It takes no effort at all to pitch a knuckleball,” Wilhelm said. “No windup is necessary. It’s so simple that very little warm-up in the bullpen is necessary.” Wilhelm won 143 games, including a record 124 out of the bullpen, and no-hit the New York Yankees in a 1958 start.
Player Biography
After earning a Purple Heart while serving in World War II, James Hoyt Wilhelm made it to the major leagues in 1952, at age 28. Wilhelm developed his reputation as the master of the knuckleball – a pitch he used effectively in more than 1,000 relief appearances. “It takes no effort at all to pitch a knuckleball,” Wilhelm said. “No windup is necessary. It’s so simple that very little warm-up in the bullpen is necessary.” Wilhelm won 143 games, including a record 124 out of the bullpen, and no-hit the New York Yankees in a 1958 start.
