Last Updated: February 29th, 2024 by Jake Cain
Whether it was a backyard game of Wiffle Ball or even throwing live BP to a friend, there are some pitchers that every kid grew up trying to imitate.
It could have been a funky delivery like the Juan Marichal leg kick, or a special pitch we tried to master like a Phil Neikro knuckleball.
Heck, maybe you were using psychological warfare and throwing inside heat like Bob Gibson to send a message.
We asked our fans on Facebook who they grew up trying to be on the mound, and here were our favorite answers:
Kent Tekulve
As a kid mimicking Major League pitchers, Kent Tekulve was a standout for his distinctive submarine delivery.
His windup was unorthodox, with a low arm angle that made it tough for hitters to pick up the ball, leading to his effective sinker.
Known for his durability, I recall Tekulve’s impressive ability to appear in over 90 games in multiple seasons—a feat that emphasized both his stamina and his distinctive pitching style.
Luis Tiant
In my years following baseball, Luis Tiant stands out for his distinctive deliveries.
I remember him for the unorthodox windup, where he’d turn his back to the batter, a mechanics that baffled hitters and added to his deception.
His signature pitch, the screwball, complemented his mix of curves and sliders, keeping hitters guessing.
Juan Marichal
When I think of iconic pitchers, Juan Marichal always comes to my mind.
With his distinctive high leg kick, Marichal was a master on the mound, making the act of pitching an art form.
We all remember his variety of pitches—whether it was a sizzling fastball, a bewildering breaking ball, or that sneaky screwball, they were all part of his impressive arsenal.
What stood out about Marichal was his pinpoint control; it’s like he could thread a needle with that ball.
I’ve watched footage of his games, and it was clear opponents respected his precise arm angles and smooth deliveries.
It’s the sort of finesse that made me, and countless others, mimic his stance in backyard games.
Kids imitated him not just because of his skill but also because of his flair. That wind-up was unforgettable; nobody could match the style and grace Marichal brought to every game he pitched.
Even now, his legacy is alive in every kid who tries to kick their leg up high before hurling a pitch, just like the Dominican Dandy did during his heyday with the San Francisco Giants.
Bob Gibson
When I think back on pitchers who left a mark on baseball, Bob Gibson stands out with his legendary fierce competitiveness.
I remember his intimidating mound presence and his fastball; batters facing him knew they were up against one of the finest.
His iconic, high leg kick and fierce follow-through became almost as famous as his blistering pitches.
Dan Quisenberry
When I think of unforgettable pitching styles, Dan Quisenberry immediately comes to mind.
His submarine delivery was not just effective; it was iconic.
I remember how he’d practically scrape the ground with his knuckles, baffling hitters and leading the American League in saves for a good chunk of the 1980s.
Hitters could never quite get comfortable against Quisenberry’s sinking fastballs.
I’ve tried to mimic his underarm motion in backyard games, but could never get those pitches to dance like his did.
Quisenberry’s quirky wind-up and pinpoint control made him a key figure in that dominant Kansas City Royals bullpen.
There was just something about Quisenberry’s approach: he was calm, collected, and his pitches always found their mark.
You could see how his relaxed demeanor on the mound set a tone for the game.
If you want a closer look into his technique and career, this Society for American Baseball Research article is a great read.
Nolan Ryan
When I think about legendary pitchers, Nolan Ryan’s fastball is what comes to mind first.
His windup was a spectacle by itself, a deliberate, smooth motion that culminated in an explosive delivery.
Renowned for his ability to overpower hitters, Ryan’s arm earned him the nickname “the Ryan Express”, a testament to the speed and power of his pitches.
One thing about Ryan’s game that always impressed me was his remarkable control over multiple types of pitches.
He didn’t just throw hard; his curveball could buckle the knees of batters expecting the heater.
Even in his later years, he continued to dominate at the mound, proof being his record 5,714 strikeouts—a feat that speaks volumes about his endurance and skill.
The guy had longevity, too, pitching for an incredible 27 years in the majors across four teams.
Every kid knew about Nolan Ryan’s seven no-hitters—a major league record—and we all tried to emulate that classic Ryan stance and throw in our backyard games.
His longevity and ability to strike out the best hitters of his time made his jersey a common sight on playgrounds, a real inspiration for aspiring pitchers everywhere.
Dontrelle Willis
Reflecting on pitchers with charismatic flair, Dontrelle Willis always comes to mind.
Dubbed “The D-Train,” Willis enthralled fans with his high leg kick and animated delivery, a dynamic and infectious style that made every pitch an event. Young aspiring pitchers would mimic his high energy wind-up, aiming to capture the spirit and effectiveness that made Willis an instant household name. Beyond his enthusiastic motion on the mound, it was his commanding presence and joy for the game that resonated with many
Tom Seaver
Growing up, trying to mimic Tom Seaver’s delivery was a right of passage for me and my friends.
With a drop-and-drive pitching style, Seaver would push from the knee, lowering his body before driving forward, giving his pitches an exceptional power.
His fluid motion and command on the mound included a fastball with late life, a wicked slider, and a nasty curveball, making him a pitcher worth imitating in countless backyard games.
Vida Blue
Vida Blue’s smooth yet explosive left-handed deliveries were a thing of beauty.
His wind-up, starting with a deliberate motion and culminating in a powerful and intimidating finish.
Blue was famous for his blistering fastball and sharp-breaking slider, making hitters look foolish and cementing his legacy as a dominant pitcher in the ’70s.
Jim Palmer
When I think of Jim Palmer, the first thing that comes to mind is his high leg kick—a distinctive feature during his windup.
His smooth, over-the-top delivery was poetry in motion and deceptively quick.
Craftiness was his forte; Palmer’s fastball and wicked curve kept hitters guessing, while his circle change-up, well, that was just unfair.
Sandy Koufax
When I think of pitchers we all tried to mimic in the backyard, Sandy Koufax is at the top of my list.
His windup was a work of art—smooth and deliberate—culminating in a high kick that made every delivery feel like a major event.
He mastered a devastating curveball that buckled batters’ knees, paired with a fastball that screamed across the plate.
Kids like me would spend hours trying to replicate his signature pitches, especially that curveball, dreaming of striking out the side in the World Series just like Koufax did for the Dodgers.
Hideo Nomo
When you reflect on the unique deliveries that captured the imagination of young fans, Hideo Nomo stands out vividly.
Hideo Nomo’s tornado wind-up was as distinctive as it was effective, a whirlwind motion that not only defined his pitching style but also mesmerized batters and spectators alike. Kids would twist and turn, imitating that corkscrew stance and pause, attempting to channel the deceptive velocity and movement that characterized Nomo’s approach on the mound.
His electrifying no-hitters and impressive strikeouts are testament to the efficacy of his signature pitch, and his influence extended far beyond his native Japan, sparking a wave of international talent joining Major League Baseball.
Fernando Valenzuela
As a kid mimicking big league pitchers, Fernando Valenzuela was a must.
Known for his exceptional screwball, it was a pitch that baffled hitters and defined his career.
His distinctive windup, beginning with eyes famously skyward at the apex, made his delivery iconic and unforgettable.
Steve Carlton
As a kid mimicking Major League legends, I couldn’t help but try to replicate Steve Carlton’s deceptive deliveries.
Known for his devastating slider, Carlton’s motion was smooth yet complex, a left-hander with a high leg kick that could easily disrupt a batter’s timing.
His ability to disguise pitches kept hitters guessing and contributed to his impressive strikeout achievements.
Don Sutton
When I think of pitchers kids imitated, Don Sutton‘s name immediately comes to mind.
His classic wind-up and overhand delivery were distinctive; he repeated these mechanics flawlessly, making them look effortless.
Sutton’s arsenal featured a deadly curveball, which buckled many knees, alongside a pinpoint fastball that kept hitters guessing.
He wasn’t a flamethrower, but his control was impeccable, allowing him to carve up the strike zone and outthink batters.
His strategy on the mound was a master class in pitching finesse rather than pure power.
Sutton’s presence on the mound was all about consistency and longevity, which is why pitchers and fans mimic his style, even today.
Ron Guidry
As a kid mimicking Major League greats, I couldn’t skip Ron Guidry.
Known as “Louisiana Lightning,” Guidry’s smooth, whip-like windup and a pinpoint slider made him a standout pitcher for the New York Yankees during his stellar career.
His dominating pitches, including a hard slider and a sneaky fastball, bewildered hitters and secured his legacy in baseball history.
Bruce Sutter
Growing up, I remember imitating Bruce Sutter, a master of the split-finger fastball.
This pitch was his bread and butter, fooling hitters with its late sinking action that often resulted in ground balls or strikeouts.
His distinct throwing motion, a calm wind-up followed by a sudden release, was iconic and inspired many of us who dreamt of striking out the side in a big game.
Dwight Gooden
When I think of Dwight Gooden, what immediately comes to mind is his blazing fastball and a wicked curve that dropped off the table.
As a fan watching him dominate on the mound in the ’80s, his smooth yet powerful wind-up was something many kids, including myself, tried to imitate in backyard ball games.
Doc’s pitches had a mean bite, and his fastball often overpowered hitters, making him a legend on the mound and an inspiration for aspiring pitchers everywhere.
Greg Maddux
Maddux’s mastery of his sinker and changeup made him a nightmare for hitters and a favorite for young fans and aspiring pitchers who wanted to outsmart rather than overpower batters.
His calm, methodical approach wasn’t flashy, but it was effective, earning him the nickname “the Professor” for his cerebral execution of the game.
You can see why Maddux was a staple in backyard games, his legendary status not just earned from his four Cy Young Awards, but also from the art of his pitching—a blend of control, cunning, and pinpoint accuracy that I tried to replicate down to the last detail.
Rick Sutcliffe
I remember watching Rick Sutcliffe pitch; his tall frame gave him an imposing presence on the mound.
His delivery was a classic wind-up, with a high leg kick that many kids would try to mimic in their backyards.
Sutcliffe was known for his fastball and a particularly nasty slider that baffled hitters and led to his success, especially in his early years.
Phil Niekro
When I think about pitchers that we all tried to mimic in the backyard, Phil Niekro stands out with his trademark knuckleball.
It didn’t just dance; it baffled hitters and made Niekro a legend. Opponents knew it was coming, but that slow, unpredictable flutter of the ball was his bread and butter, leading to his impressive 3,342 strikeouts.
Niekro’s windup was a thing of beauty too, fluid and consistent, which only added contrast to the chaos of his knuckler.
He pitched a fastball as well, but it was the knuckler that kids and adults alike would try to throw, laughing at the crazy paths it took to the glove.
My own attempts usually hit the dirt, but it was always a kick trying to throw one like Phil.
His pitching technique earned him a well-deserved spot in the Hall of Fame, an easy decision considering his impact on the game.
Legends like Niekro don’t come around often, and for a kid with a ball and a dream, there was nothing cooler than pretending to stand on the mound, the whole game in your hands, and tossing a pitch that could turn a batter into a statue.
Dennis Eckersley
When I think of iconic pitching styles, Dennis Eckersley’s sidearm delivery immediately comes to mind.
His smooth, right-handed motion and pinpoint control made him a formidable closer, especially in his years with the Oakland Athletics.
Known for his devastating slider and a sinking fastball that hitters often struggled with, “Eck” cemented his legacy as one of the game’s great relief pitchers.
Eckersley’s career transition from starter to reliever was a game-changer; his success in the bullpen was a key to the A’s dominance in the late ’80s.
He was the kind of pitcher kids emulated in their backyards, mimicking his calm demeanor on the mound and his signature fist pump after sealing a save.
With a Hall of Fame career and a pivotal role in the evolution of the closer role, Eckersley’s influence on the game is indisputable.
Bert Blyleven
When I think back to the pitchers that kids tried to emulate growing up, Bert Blyleven stands out with his iconic curveball.
I remember marveling at not just the curve, but the control he had over it; it seemed to drop right off the table, confounding batters.
Bert had a windup that was deceivingly simple, but the way he launched into his delivery created a legendary career that led to some impressive numbers, including 3,701 strikeouts.
Hoyt Wilhelm
When I think back on pitchers that kids loved to imitate, Hoyt Wilhelm’s name comes up frequently.
Known for his knuckleball, Wilhelm had a unique pitch that danced unpredictably on its way to the plate, making batters swing and miss.
I remember practicing that fingertip grip and slow, deliberate wind-up in the backyard, trying to recreate the flutter that made Wilhelm’s pitches near impossible to hit; he turned that knuckleball into a legendary career with a Hall of Fame induction in 1985.
Al Hrabosky
When I recall Al Hrabosky’s time on the mound, what stands out most is his intense “Mad Hungarian” persona that he adopted.
The way he would turn his back to the batter, psych himself up, and then whirl around with a fierce look to deliver the pitch, it fired up both fans and players.
Hrabosky’s pitches, especially his fastball, were tough to hit, and combined with his intimidating mound antics, made quite the impression on any kid trying to mimic his style.