Baseball players have been suffering from a phenomenon known as the “yips” for decades. The yips can be described as an involuntary jerking or twitching of the arm, which can make it difficult or even impossible to throw a ball accurately. While it’s unclear exactly what causes the yips, the condition has become closely associated with baseball players at all levels, from the Major Leagues to Little League. Below is a look at some notable baseball players who have had the yips.
Steve Blass
Steve Blass is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who is perhaps the most famous baseball player to suffer from the yips. Blass enjoyed a successful career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, winning a World Series in 1971 and earning an All-Star selection in 1972. However, in 1973, Blass suddenly lost his control, walking 84 batters in 103 innings. The Pirates tried to help Blass by sending him to the minors and having him work with a pitching coach, but he was never able to regain his form and was forced to retire in 1974.
Rick Ankiel
Rick Ankiel is another famous baseball player who has had the yips. Ankiel was a highly touted prospect who made his Major League debut with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1999. Ankiel enjoyed early success as a starting pitcher, even becoming an All-Star in 2000. However, in 2001, Ankiel suddenly lost his control and walked an astonishing 11 batters in just 3 innings in a playoff game. Ankiel eventually switched to playing the outfield, but has never been able to regain his pitching form.
Mark Wohlers
Mark Wohlers is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who had the yips during his career. Wohlers was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 1988 and quickly became one of the most effective closers in baseball. He made three All-Star teams and was even a key player in the Braves’ 1995 World Series victory. However, in 1997, Wohlers suddenly lost his control and was never able to regain it. He was eventually released by the Braves in 1999 and retired in 2004.
Macay McBride
Macay McBride is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who has had the yips. McBride was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 2001 and made his Major League debut in 2004. He was a solid reliever for the Braves during his first two seasons, but in 2006, McBride suddenly lost his control and had to be moved to the minor leagues. He eventually returned to the Major Leagues in 2007, but was never able to regain his form and retired from professional baseball in 2010.
Curt Schilling
Curt Schilling is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who suffered from the yips during his career. Schilling enjoyed a successful career with the Philadelphia Phillies, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Boston Red Sox, winning three World Series titles and making six All-Star teams. However, in 2006, Schilling suddenly lost his control and had to be moved to the bullpen. Schilling eventually regained his form and retired in 2009.
Conclusion
The yips is a phenomenon that has long been associated with baseball players, particularly pitchers. While it’s unclear exactly what causes the yips, some of the most famous baseball players in history have suffered from the condition, including Steve Blass, Rick Ankiel, Mark Wohlers, Macay McBride, and Curt Schilling. All of these players were forced to make adjustments to their game in order to regain their form, but ultimately were never able to fully recover from the yips.