ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - St. Louis Cardinals legend Rick Ankiel isn't one of the most prolific, winningest or most-dominate players in baseball history. But his athleticism, versatility and made-for-Hollywood career isn't matched by many.
He was nearly the NL Rookie of the Year as a pitcher in 2000, got a bad case of the "yips," then reinvented himself as a power-hitting outfielder and returned to the show in 2007. On Tuesday, he took the mound at Busch Stadium again to throw out a ceremonial first pitch.
Some are calling it one of the "filthiest" first pitches ever thrown:
Check out PA announcer John Ulett behind the plate. He actually jumped to his right, thinking the ball was coming right at him when it left Ankiel's hand.
His curveball was named "snapdragon" by former Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire for its wicked break.
Ankiel finished his career with 76 homer runs, 251 RBIs, a .240 batting average, a 13-10 pitching record and 3.90 ERA. He also made some of the greatest throws from the outfield that you'll ever see.
Related
© 2021 KMOX (Audacy). All rights reserved
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Follow KMOX
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram