Japanese female knuckleballer to pitch against Vipers

[tvp2003]

http://www.calgarysun.com/sports/bas.../14873576.html

The defending Golden League champions will entertain the Chico Outlaws for a three-game set this weekend, and after a change of heart, the out-of-town guests plan to give Japanese knuckleballer Eri Yoshida the start in Sunday’s matinee at Foothills Stadium.

Yoshida is the first female to pitch in a professional baseball league in North America in the past decade.

She's 5'1, 18 years old, and is nicknamed the "Knuckleball Princess". She made her debut earlier this week in Victoria.

[You Need a Thneed]

It's quite the story.

Don't expect her to be dominant, or even necessarily good at this stage. But, apparently, male pitchers don't fare much better than her against pro ball players at the age she is now.

Amazing that she's received very little coaching in her lifetime. A couple of years of good coaching and some more experience could improve her skills a great deal.

Calgary Herald article from Wednesday's paper.

[fundmark19]

I wish I was in town to see it. Pretty much every pitcher seems to get lit up in the gdl so hopefully she can do well and at least get into regular rotation and win some games!

[Bertuzzied]

i saw highlights of her a couple days ago on Globe sports in Victoria. She is a side-armed knuckle ball pitcher! haha

Not very good though. Gave up 7 walks and hit a batter. She only gave up one hit but it was a grand slam. This was in 3 innings i think.

[Resolute 14]

Yeah, she's there as a gimick only. She simply can't pitch well enough. Three balls behind the batters, heh.

Unfortunately, Calgary's starter was even worse. 0IP, 8ER, lol.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Yeah, she's there as a gimick only. She simply can't pitch well enough. Three balls behind the batters, heh.

Unfortunately, Calgary's starter was even worse. 0IP, 8ER, lol.

16-13! sounds like a typical Foothills Stadium game!

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/spo...-99733139.html

Probably a gimmick but she's still only 18.

[Kelekin]

Yeah, to be fair, she has one year of prior professional experience. Most of the guys in the Golden League are towards their 30s. Control clearly was an issue today, but the game lasted over 4 hours. Neither team could hit the strike zone. I just think if anything, there's no way a side-armed knuckleball can play well in the minors. It just doesn't have enough rotation, and she'll only get away on the surprise of it for so long.

[Resolute 14]

She actually has two major problems I saw:

1. She has no control.
2. She has no other pitch.

She had a very good pickoff move though. Nearly got our lead off hitter three times. But the problem is that her throws to first were harder and more accurate than anything she sent to the plate. Does seem to have potential though. If she gets her mechanics worked out she might be able to make a career as a ballplayer rather than a sideshow.

[Kelekin]

That pickoff move to first was excellent. Most knuckleballers don't have any other pitch, though.

I can't believe the game took over 4 hours though.

[Resolute 14]

29 runs and over 30 runners left on base will do that. The first two innings alone took over an hour.