Valenzuela's Unhittable Screwball

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Post on Oct 24, 2024

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Valenzuela's Unhittable Screwball: A Pitch That Defined an Era

You know that feeling, right? When a pitcher steps on the mound and you just know they're going to dominate? That was Valenzuela for a whole generation of baseball fans. He was an absolute beast, and his screwball was the weapon that made him almost unhittable.

Let's rewind a bit. The screwball is a tricky pitch, even for the pros. It's a curveball's evil twin, breaking in the opposite direction, and it's famously tough to master. But Valenzuela made it look effortless.

The Magic of the Screwball

Valenzuela's screwball wasn't just any screwball; it was legendary. It moved so much and with such deception, it had hitters completely baffled. Imagine a pitch coming in from the left side, seeming like a fastball, and then breaking sharply towards the right. That's how Valenzuela dominated.

Think about it: Imagine trying to hit a ball that's changing direction at the last second. It's like trying to hit a moving target, but way harder. That's the magic of Valenzuela's screwball.

Beyond the Pitch: A Masterful Pitcher

But Valenzuela wasn't just about his screwball. He was a complete pitcher with a powerful fastball and a slider that could make batters dance. He also had a killer instinct on the mound, always looking to dominate and give his team a chance to win.

And win they did. Valenzuela's career was filled with amazing moments, from his dominant performances in the World Series to his legendary 1981 season, where he won the Cy Young Award.

A Legacy of Dominance

Today, Valenzuela's screwball is remembered as one of the greatest weapons in baseball history. It's a pitch that defined an era and put fear in the hearts of hitters.

Even though he's retired, Valenzuela's legacy continues to inspire young pitchers to master the screwball. It's a testament to the power and beauty of a pitch that seemed almost impossible to hit.