Even the most hardcore prospect hounds probably haven’t heard of Jannis, because guys who spend more than a decade bouncing around the minor and independent leagues don’t attract much attention.
Jannis was picked in the 44th round of the 2010 draft by the Rays and adopted the knuckleball when Tampa Bay cut him after his second pro season.
“I told my wife like as long as I feel like I have a chance to pitch in the major leagues like I want to pursue this dream.
Regardless of Jannis’s performance in his debut, it’s remarkable that he made it to the major leagues after pitching for 15 different minor, independent and fall league teams. And it’s awesome that he’s keeping the endangered knuckleball alive.
In an era where spin rate reigns supreme, there’s something beautiful about Jannis earning a spot in the big leagues based on intentionally not spinning the ball.
But it’s as hard to throw as it is to hit, so it’s a treat whenever we get to see a knuckleballer in the majors.
Watching the ball barely rotate in that video inspired me to do a little math.
Jannis didn’t fool many Astros hitters in his first big league appearance, but the knuckleball is a finicky pitch.
ESPN is making a 30 for 30 documentary about Maya Moore, her decision to walk away from the WNBA and her quest to overturn the wrongful conviction of the man she later married.
Tap water in Sacramento tastes like dirt due to California’s historic drought, so officials are telling people to just add lemon.
Email dan.gartland@si.com with any feedback or follow me on Twitter for approximately one half-decent baseball joke per week.