Steve Sparks

Steve Sparks, born in 1964, was a professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball from 1995 until his retirement in 2004. He made a name for himself in the game with a unique pitching style that featured a distinct knuckleball, which often confounded hitters. Sparks played for several teams during his career, showcasing his versatility and ability to adapt to different pitching environments. Throughout his time in the league, Sparks recorded a career record of 59-76 with an earned run average (ERA) of 4.88. He struck out 658 batters and collected 3 saves, contributing to his teams' efforts in both starting and relief roles. Sparks' tenure in the majors coincided with an era characterized by offensive power and high-scoring games, making his ability to effectively use the knuckleball all the more valuable. Although he may not have reached the heights of some of his contemporaries, his contributions to the game and the enduring challenge of mastering the knuckleball have left a lasting impact on the sport.