Tom Candiotti, known for his mastery of the knuckleball, had a unique career in Major League Baseball that spanned over a decade and a half. Born on August 31, 1957, in Walnut Creek, California, Candiotti's journey to the majors was not a straightforward path. He attended Saint Mary's College of California, where he played college baseball before being signed by the Kansas City Royals as an amateur free agent in 1980.
Candiotti's early professional years were spent in the minor leagues, where he honed his skills and developed the knuckleball that would define his career. His major league debut came with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1983. However, it was with the Cleveland Indians, starting in 1986, that Candiotti began to establish himself as a reliable pitcher. During his time with the Indians, he became known for his ability to confound hitters with his unpredictable knuckleball, a pitch that is notoriously difficult to control but can be devastatingly effective when executed well.
In 1991, Candiotti was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays mid-season. His tenure with the Blue Jays was brief but noteworthy, as he helped the team secure a division title. Later that year, he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent. Candiotti's years with the Dodgers were marked by consistent performances, and he became a staple in their pitching rotation. His knuckleball continued to be his signature pitch, baffling batters across the league.
Candiotti's career also included stints with the Oakland Athletics and a return to the Cleveland Indians. Throughout his career, he was known for his durability and ability to pitch deep into games. Despite the challenges of mastering the knuckleball, Candiotti maintained a respectable career ERA and accumulated over 150 wins.
Off the field, Candiotti was respected for his intelligence and understanding of the game. After retiring from playing, he transitioned into broadcasting, where he provided insightful commentary and analysis, drawing on his extensive experience as a player.
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