R.A. Dickey's Knuckleball Keeps Getting Better and Better

R.A. Dickey gave up just one hit over nine innings. (Chris O'Meara)

Knuckleballers appear to be a fading tradition. When legendary Tim Wakefield retired, it seemed to leave a void in the American pastime. That void has quickly been filled and than some this season by the play of R.A. Dickey.

If you knew of Dickey prior to this season, you knew that he was a knuckleballer and that was about it. He bounced around with a few ball clubs, but found only limited success. Even as recent as last season, Dickey finished with a 8-13 record with a 3.28 ERA. Decent numbers, but certainly not anything worth writing home about.

Somehow at age 37, Dickey began to turn things around, especially this season. He worked on improving his knuckleball and his control of it. Whatever Dickey did, his play as of late has been impeccable as a result. All he did tonight against the Tampa Bay Rays tonight was pitch a complete game one-hitter, while striking out a career-high 12 batters.

In the start tonight, Dickey broke the Mets' franchise record for scoreless innings with 32 2/3 innings. Oh and in case you haven't heard, it hasn't been just tonight. In Dickey's last five starts, he has pitched a combined 39 2/3 innings (out of 45 possible), given up just one run, walked only three batters, and struck out 50 hitters. Those kind of numbers are unheard of by anyone, let alone a knuckleballer. The pitch is so difficult to be in control of and consistent with, but Dickey has been able to master the art.

Dickey is MLB's first 10-game winner this season. At this point, he has to be among the frontrunners for the NL Cy Young and to start the All-Star game as well. Dating back to May 20, 2011, Dickey has given up four runs or less in 34 of his last 37 starts. The strikeout numbers as of late are off the charts for a knuckleballer. R.A. Dickey and his knuckleball of an average velocity of 76.6 mph have some of baseball's best hitters puzzled and bewildered. Meanwhile, Dickey is just enjoying the ride. His hard work has truly paid off. He has gone from a young pitcher without a place, to an average speciality pitcher, and now to one of the best pitchers in the game. Dickey clearly deserves to be recognized and is worthy of the praise he has been receiving.