How a Knuckleballer Became Baseball's Best Pitcher

You might know R.A. Dickey as a knuckleballer. But he's so much more than that. He was a poor kid with a dream. An abuse survivor. A death defier. He's one of the most unlikely success stories the MLB has ever seen.
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Link to full R.A. Dickey interview with 'I Am Second':
• RA Dickey - Less Than ...
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#MLB #Mets #BlueJays

[@SadmanBaseball]

Nice!

[@JollyOlive]

Huge

[@_kevinyang]

sadman brought me here

[@sjang816]

When did your channel come out? Pleasantly surprised with all your content. Just prescribed to your channel!

[@staciemohler4624]

@@sjang816 I’m pretty sure that you mean subscribed not prescribed

[@sjang816]

@@staciemohler4624 yea, unless I was making a joke..but don't see how or why I would so yea I must've meant subscribed

[@foenem5291]

RA is so strong for even sharing this information.

[@michaeldoran4367]

ENORMOUS KOK TRANSPLANTED FROM A HORSE TO A CHIHUAHUA. CHIHUAHUA STRUTS AROUND THE DOG PARK AND DOMINATES OTHER DOGS. MAN WITH A DOG PEENUS

[@Jose_Hunters_EWF_Remixes]

Dickey will always have a special place in the hearts of Mets fans. We weren't even sad when he got traded because we knew the Mets weren't going anywhere in 2013 Dickey was pushing 40 and wouldn't last forever, and we all wanted the best for him Wish he'd come back as the Mets' pitching coach

[@marcoslaureano5562]

This is true. I don't know a single Mets fan who hated that trade other than simply seeing dickey leave. It was the best thing for him - and for us as well.

[@A3Hoops]

I wish we never traded for him. Because yknow we have up Thor

[@myblacklab7]

Ahw - that's really nice.

[@colin5484]

I mean we got syndergaard and d’arnaud while we gave Rickey a chance to play on a good team so it’s an all around win

[@jak1165]

I bought his autobiography; its an extremely well-written book with a lot of introspection and hear. The story behind the UCL is quite something. Prior to the 1996 Olympic games, the US entered, along with Cuba as the clear favorites and while not as hyped as the Basketball team, the American squad was comprised of the best college players in the country and 5 of the pitchers (including Dickey) were featured on the cover on the Spring 1996 Issue of Baseball America. Texas' team doctor noticed Dickey's arm was hanging at an unusual angle in the picture and ordered medical tests be done on Dickey. The tests revealed that he he was missing the entire Ulnar Collateral Ligament in his arm and Texas revoked his signing bonus. He should not have been able to raise his arm to comb his hair without pain, much less throw 95 or 96 mph fastballs. His career really was remarkable

[@Turn0vers]

Sucks it took them years to make a rule just after the Rocker situation recently. Pretty screwed up if you ask me.

[@nineteeneightynine432]

@@Turn0vers what you mean

[@Turn0vers]

@@nineteeneightynine432 So essentially they rescinded their original offer after discovering he didn't have his ligament. They essentially cost him hundreds of thousands of dollars due to that in treatment and help for that especially when it's something he never knew, was out of his control, and didn't know until physicals. It's utter bullshit because he worked his ass off then. But they at least gave him a spot unlike the Mets entirely bailing on signing Kumar Rocker.

[@flagtheoffense]

@@Turn0vers You're forgetting that Rocker didn't make his medical information available. Had he done that, the Mets would not have been allowed to pull their offer.

[@allainangcao28]

I’m just surprised that the entire ligament was just gone, surely he had to have known long before, if it deteriorated over time, R.A. should have known something was up or at least felt something different.

[@williamrea5193]

Dickey is a legend. I had no idea about his past. Overcoming all that makes me love him all the more. That, Cy Young award and the contract that followed, couldn't have happened to a better guy. Great video. Love your shit.

[@thomascapalbo1369]

he made all of us throw a knuckleball to our friend in warm ups.

[@meese1k]

so true

[@ebscoHOSTpub]

I was at that 1-hitter against the Orioles. It was my first time in Citi Field w/ my mom and we scored some good seats from her boss. A great memory and even greater energy. My mom fangirled over Kevin Burkhardt as he was waiting to go out to the field near home plate. . He waved back and winked and thanked her for being a fan and my mom still talks about that moment to this day lol. He was cool to do that.

[@alexstachura11]

She has a great way

[@gmargozola9572]

Your best yet.

[@QuantosGames]

I agree with this statement, it is fact

[@setaside2]

RA has long been my favorite pitcher of the modern era. He was the little guy that everyone gave up on. His wife never did, though and, somehow, neither did he. His resilience is transcendent. His vulnerability and authenticity is something we should all seek to have the strength to find. His wife's commitment throughout is also something to be considered, here. Her bravery was also unreal. RA is a hero in my household. A lot of the great underdogs, undrafted, left out... Those that overcame, proved the crowd incorrect, showed a chip on the shoulder doesn't have to be a weight, necessarily, but the motivating voice that keeps saying, "Further."

[@setaside2]

PS man thanks for making this video. RA doesn't get the love and respect he deserves.

[@adu3830]

I've always loved R.A. I got to meet him when he was with the braves and he is probably the nicest player I've ever met. Also yes Olive, your hard work does show buddy.

[@Poppinwheeeeellllllieeeeez]

On top of all of this...he is truely a class act. What a good dude.

[@capri6542]

Seeing the "back to back one hitters" list and seeing Dave Stieb there is heartbreaking after watching Jon Bois series on him. Two one hitters, both taken away in the 9th inning with 2 outs...

[@JaredChenkin]

Two *no-hitters. And I believe it was 9th inning, two outs, **two strikes**. Amazing series.

[@coogiszk]

Wow. I didn't even know this story about him. Super strong for him to share that story

[@king_ltc_]

I have read his autobiography and his story is so moving. Makes me really want to put in the work and try out for my community college team as a pitcher at least. If this guy spent most of his career in the minor leagues with everyone doubting him, to be one of the best knuckleballer, not to mention aces in the game is remarkable. I wish I had an Anne in my life.

[@BaseballQuotes1]

Wow never knew about his story off the field. Great video!

[@marcoslaureano5562]

Man listen, my dad and I absolutely LOVED watching R.A. pitch for our team the NY Mets. At least my pop, in his final years, got to watch a couple of his beloved Mets win Cy Young awards. Dickey and DeGrom. Sleep in peace Pop.

[@TheDarkIllusionists]

I love Knuckleballers and I love Dickey because of his elbow anomaly making him throw it so quickly. This video blew my mind about his past.

[@geraldmastroianni7348]

Great video! Dave Stieb's back to back one hitters in 1988 were actually both broken up after 8 2/3 no hit innings. The year before he lost a no hitter after 8 innings and in 1989 he lost a perfect game after 8 2/3. Finally in 1990 he managed to throw a no-no. I'd love to see you cover that in a video

[@eldiablo1000]

Secret Base by John Bois, just covered the entire career of Dave Stieb in a four part video series, a great documentary to watch if you haven't already...Happy watching!

[@davidlevy4291]

Loved him with the Jays. He always came off as a beautiful soul and watching his knuckleball dance when it was at its best was amongst the best pitching performances i have ever seen.

[@joshuacookingham2171]

R.A. Dickey is the reason I got back into being a baseball fan. I was more or less done with the sport, having got disillusioned during my high school playing days(my teammates were jerks) and watching the Mets flounder about with no clear way forward. Fast forward to 2012 and I hear about one of our pitchers, a guy named R.A. Dickey, who not only earned his way onto the starting rotation at a much older age, but was putting together one of the best seasons for a Met pitcher ever. I was hooked. I looked forward to every single game he was in, hoping beyond hope that he would win the CY Young. When he did, that's when I knew, Baseball was magical again.

[@dariusbaja21]

So glad I came across this . I'm a Jays fan and when I heard we were getting R.A Dickey after his CY Young season I couldn't have been any happier . He didn't do as well as all hoped he would , but he was still one of my favourite Jays Pitchers to this day . Was still very solid for those 4 years with us and hearing his actual story and what he has been thru makes him even more special and loved by me , that's for sure . I had no idea about his past , what an amazing individual and that success was well deserved . Bravo 👏

[@mattcastro8340]

Holy balls this was incredible, such a compelling story!

[@ryanhiga3]

What a strong man. Such a fighter and he rose to the occasion and beat the odds and fought with everything he had to carve out the great career we all got to witness. Hope he is still getting the help he needs. Much love and peace to R A Dickey

[@ryongraf6465]

Amazing storytelling. Re: you comment about validity and recognition: in this era its totally understandable. Just keep doing your thing, buddy. Only good hearts can tell good stories like you can.

[@JollyOlive]

What a thoughtful comment :)

[@rafaelalba8809]

Really loved the intro setup for this one well done

[@joshuablanco5312]

I had no idea that I was going to cry so much after clicking this video

[@yinkto]

I remember choosing #43 on my middle school basketball team because of him. Dickey is one of the best pitchers of the century so far, and his backstory makes me love and respect him so much more.

[@jasona9]

GREAT documentary. Dickey's knuckleball was a GREAT pitch thrown by a GREATER man. Thanks for the info.

[@c-mar9820]

2012 was my first year living in NYC; it was a hard move, and listening to baseball games and becoming a Mets fan was a little bit of brightness. Dickey was my favorite pitcher and his Cy Young was well deserved. Knowing all he went through and how he persevered just makes me more of a fan. Thanks for the video!

[@michaelcunningham3595]

well done video. first of all NEVER QUESTION YOUR OWN VALIDITY! i have suffered from depression my whole life (47 years). your own head is a dangerous place and too often conflicts with how you are viewed by others. second, read RA's book!!!! it is incredible. third, keep up the good work

[@katherine7095]

Will always have a soft spot for RA.

[@billy120745]

Wow great dramatic set up and pacing. I’m a lifelong Phil’s phan and Mets detractor and this gave me chills. Mad respect to you and RA, you make A+ content

[@JD-hk5ot]

Good looking out with the warnings/time stamps, I appreciate you thinking of others. Videos are pretty good too! Subscribed 👍🏼

[@78fty95]

Growing up, I had the pleasure of watching Tim Wakefields entire 17 year career in Boston, which also happens to be my favorite team. So I know the feeling of being a fan of a knuckballer good as anyone. So much sweeter when he plays for your favorite team tho! Much love and respect to R. A. of course!!

[@H4R5HM3LL0W]

Recently watched the 'Knuckleball' documentary, and have been a Mets fan since childhood. This guy is the best.

[@rafaelalba8809]

This video made my day keep all this good work up my man

[@frozen8672]

Damn I had no idea he went through that as kid, I shed some tears 😢 when he went to the Blue Jays I watched as many games he pitched because I just loved to watch that knuckleball dance around! My top 3 pitchers ever(that I’ve got to watch) are 1-Justin Verlander 2-Clayton Kershaw(GO DODGERS!) 3-is RA Dickey now, sorry Bartolo but you are 4th now 😏! Loved this video 💯👍🏻

[@alisonkissel2603]

RA Dickey has always been my all-time favorite Met and I was devastated when he was traded. Learning, now as an adult, what a traumatic upbringing he had makes me appreciate him even more.

[@bradreed8938]

god... hearing his story brought a lot of emotions up with me. reminded me of some of the things I've tried my hardest to forget. RA will forever be one of my favorite athletes in the world, hell he's one of my favorite people.

[@TheGc72340]

I DID NOT KNOW THIS.... wow so much respect to R.A.!

[@miloobrzut5497]

the 2012 Mets were the first team I ever rooted for and he was the only real highlight of that team. thanks for this video

[@KVirello]

Your videos are great man. Keep making them, you'll get the recognition you deserve eventually.

[@michaeldeitch3642]

I have a copy of his book at home. Gotta love this guy

[@bensweetra4871]

Absolutely amazing video! Had no clue about his heartbreaking journey. MLB should be ashamed that not all fans know about his background. Awesome job Jolly!

[@kenip9800]

Dickey gave Mets fans some fantastic moments and memories. I remember going to see his 20th win and being amused that some fans already had shirts celebrating win #20 before the game started.

[@Twhistle]

Great video. Thanks so much for sharing. Thought this would just be a video about the kind of pitcher he was and the rarity of a knuckleball pitcher winning a Cy Young. Never knew this about him. More people should see this.

[@gregnovis3889]

Great video. This is such an inspiring story on many levels, and deserves to be told. Keep up the great content

[@brendanpirando2379]

One of my favorite Mets in the 2010's. I was so happy when he won that CY Young and then he had a pretty serviceable career in Toronto. We won't see back-to-back one hitters for many years to come, perhaps never again. Well done R.A.

[@RobertLandrum13]

I've always been a fan of his. Solid dude.

[@TheNflkid423]

Thank you for this..I went thru something similar as this and this just helps me so much...I didn't even know that interview happened with him ...thank you

[@caleblefevre3675]

I was never the biggest RA fan with Wakefield being one of my all time favorites but this video made me love him with all he went through

[@theamateurobserver]

Your best yet jolly, keep it up man

[@flyingsquirrel575]

Yes, your work payed off. Damn good story, exceptionally well told - and with empathy for both subject and audience. That degree of respect goes far.

[@GeoffBosco]

I became a a huge Dickey fan pretty quickly in 2010 as soon as he came up. 2012 was such a magical season. Watched both of those one hitters.

[@disgruntledrallymonkey64]

This is one of my favorite baseball videos ever; I’m so happy you made this 💜

[@josephalcido7910]

Not the point of this fantastic video, but a really fantastic job ensuring that people who might be uncomfortable or unable to engage on those themes could still feel included in the video. You're making this story, and baseball, accessible to people. That's awesome.

[@mikeoaster1935]

Wow. I never knew how rough Dickey had it. I have a whole new level of respect for him. Hopefully he is doing okay.

[@sampilcher7196]

I remember reading his autobiography “wherever I wind up”. Extremely powerful, been a massive fan of him ever since. Got a chance to play catch with him in 2015 when he was with the jays and I was at the T12 tournament. Such a strong person.

[@JevArchives]

I’m not crying I...I promise Dickey you’re stronger than I could ever be

[@bknicley]

Ik this video is old but thank you for sharing this. RA was one of my favorite pitchers growing up (even being a Yankees fan) and I never knew this side of him. Keep up the great work 🔥

[@gabeschlimme7340]

I became a jays fan because his personal catcher Josh Thole was from my hometown. Always loved this guy but never knew his crazy backstory... GREAT VIDEO!

[@petermessiersway9040]

I was at the second game . I believe the Mets had $5 deal in the upper deck that night . I Loved watching R.A. that year . I can still hear the chants as we all left in excitement for what we all just witnessed. Awesome video. Thank you 🙏

[@brianm27]

This was a tremendous video. Thank you for all the hard work it shows!

[@jacobjohnson1828]

This video goes so hard. Jolly next level on this one.

[@Sleepwalker91]

Seeing this makes Me truly Appreciate that I got to see RA Dickey pitch for The NY Mets, Thank You!

[@AzadMahmood52]

Dude I just discovered your channel a little while ago and wow you have fantastic content. I appreciate how you’re emotionally intelligent in regards to a lot of these issues, you have a good nature with people. Keep up the fantastic work, I’ll make sure to keep binge watching your stuff.

[@JagFanStevie]

Great video and here's hoping for a comeback of the knuckle ball

[@H0tinNYC]

You have earned my subscription. Well done!

[@collinwall5169]

Would highly recommend his book as well

[@stevenx2523]

Dickey was a class act the whole time in Toronto, I hope he has the peace he deserves after everything he went through.

[@mik3ymomo]

Always loved the knuckleballers, never thought we would see a 20 game winner from one let alone a CY award win.

[@Matt-lj5nn]

Now I have a new respect for Dickey. Great video!

[@mattd3245]

Read his auto as a kid, it was hard to grasp such tough topics at that age. Revisiting it in this video really out things into perspective.

[@evanedelman8395]

Amazing video, I’m a Mets fan and I had no idea. Thanks so much for sharing

[@ldgnotebook]

Happened to read part of story about RA Dickey in “Hidden Potential” by Adam Grant and end up watching your video. So great! Some stories should have been told.

[@Jame5man]

I still remember his game against Texas in the playoffs for Toronto. I’m sure that felt gooooood

[@banjoboy1223]

ill always remember his catcher describing it like catching a ball in a dimly lit room, only seeing where its gonna come at the last possible moment

[@kevinhu7684]

You've made a subscriber out of me! So well done!

[@frankmagnotto]

Wow, what an incredible and inspiring story. More people need to hear about his story, great job bringing this to us!

[@adammurai1955]

644 subscribers? That ain't right. Awesome video!

[@Jman7945]

Recently found your channel, gotta say quality content my friend!

[@harolddenton6031]

R a Dickey and Todd Helton both were awesome pitchers on same baseball teams at the University of Tennessee when they played fsu in the college world series in the late 1990's.

[@getTheSchmack]

Just an awesome video! Giving the shine and praise to those who deserve it. Thanks for this!

[@andyanderson4151]

RA Knuckz! One of UT's favorite #diamondvols ! Great video JO! 😊

[@tatevancleve1802]

Subscribed, great story & excellent telling! I hope this is a small step towards you feeling the validation you deserve.

[@GummyBear556677]

Read his auto biography as a teen bc i loved tim wakefield as a red sox fan and then became a fan of knuckleballers so i was drawn to RA admire him and feel for him became a great player and person overcame souch

[@poindextertunes]

Excellent human being and made me a Mets fan ❤️

[@jonmartin2913]

I'm subbing because I love the story on RA, I'm not even a Mets fan an wasnt really all Into baseball but I remember countless times seeing this man highlights on sportscenter back in 2012 during my sophomore year in HS, and doing a bunch of researching on what the hell the knuckleball was but sadly once hitters started to get enough tape on him the man suddenly became irrelevant sadly

[@andrewsahadeo3598]

crazy quality upgrade on this video, good job

[@ricanrolla85]

Great documentary. Keep up. Subscribed

[@Snipes-76]

These videos are awesome man. Subscribed. Thank you!!!!

[@jasona9]

I had the opportunity to see legendary knuckleballers Phil Niekro and Charile Hough pitch live. I wish I could have seen RA Dickey too.

[@mariohnyc]

That was an amazing season for RA. He had unreal control of the knuckleball that year. Barely anyone could catch it, much less hit it, lol.

[@gavinjohnson1913]

I didn’t know anything about this guy other than his name. Our highschool team played against a school and he was their pitching coach and i was able to shake his hand at the end of the game which was pretty cool

[@gibson.saintyfilms]

Thank you for making this!

[@liguy181]

I remember R.A. Dickey on the Mets. I was about 10 at the time. I have a signed ball from him, and I distinctly remember the two 1-hitters in a row. I didn't realize all that happened before his time on the Mets though. He seems like a great guy

[@markkeegan2137]

Hey I just found your channel, great video!

[@bigdadddyd123]

Absolute legend. As a man who was molested by another man, R.A. Dickey is my Hero. I learned to throw a filthy a knuckleball because of this man. I love him 💙

[@GroundHOG-2010]

Thank you for putting those warnings in the video. Those definately helped me.

[@unoqualunque5484]

This video deserves million of views