George Kirby wants to continue to throw the knuckleball
Seattle Mariners All-Star pitcher George Kirby paid homage to the late Timmy Wakefield by throwing a signature knuckleball during an appearance following the Red Sox’ great death in September.
Kirby would like to continue to feature a knuckleball within his arsenal next season.
"It's gonna be a hard pitch to locate that's for sure and kind of throw from my normal windup. But I'm gonna try and mix it in once a game,” said Kirby to Mariners beat writer Ryan Divish.
The 26-year-old reached a new level in 2023 posted a 13-10 with a 3.35 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP, just 19 walks and a career-high 172 strikeouts in 190 2/3 innings over 31 starts in his sophomore year in the majors.
Kirby grew up a Yankee fan but appreciated what Wakefield did as a knuckleballer on the mound during his career.
“I loved watching that guy throw, even though he's a Red Sox player and I'm a born Yankee fan,” Kirby said to The Athletic. “But yeah, it was a great day to throw it and I'm glad Seager missed it and didn't take it deep. So, yeah that was fun.”
Kirby features a two-seam fastball midseason that became a legitimate weapon while on the mound. The righty learned the pitch from former teammate Robbie Ray, who was traded to the Giants this offseason.
Kirby also throws a slider, curveball, splitter and a changeup. He’s known for shaking his glove before every pitch to conceal his grip of his pitch of choice.
As Kirby learns to control his knuckleball and build confidence to throw it more during games, he is throwing it while playing flat ground catch and incorporates the pitch in bullpen sessions.
Kirby will pitch to open the season against the Red Sox, it will be interesting to see if he throws a knuckleball to a Red Sox hitter, the same team his idol Wakefield pitched for and won over fans all over New England.
