Biography

A short bio from the Helmar “This Great Game” card back: If anyone has ever tried to catch a knuckleball, they know how scary it can be. But that’s nothing compared to trying to hit one for a living. Major league batters are groaning in unison at the flutterball tosses of Wilhelm, a tall, lanky righty from tobacco country in North Carolina. Hoyt taught himself to throw the knuckleball after seeing a poster of the old knuckle master Dutch Leonard. But knowing how to grip the pitch is only one part of the task, and Wilhelm was helped by his long fingers and large hands. As a result of his freak digits, Hoyt is able to secure his knuckler and cast it toward home plate with near perfect non-rotation. Most batters are spellbound to see a baseball floating at them with absolutely no spin. The results are usually in the favor of Mr. Wilhelm and his team.

Cards Featuring This Player