Hudson Valley Knuckleballer Signs With Major League Team

According to Wikipedia, a knuckleball is a baseball pitch thrown so as to minimize the spin of the ball in flight, causing an erratic, unpredictable motion.

While it is very difficult for batters to hit, it is also difficult for pitchers to actually control, as well as for catchers to catch, and umpires to properly call.

That said, the unusual pitch has helped LaGrange's V.J. Collins land a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, his college team Manhattanville. 

"Playing for a Major League organization has been a lifelong dream of mine, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity to play for and be a part of the Tampa Bay Rays," Collins stated. "Those closest to me know the years of hard work and sacrifice that I put in to ultimately reach this goal, and they understand why this is so special. My parents and my sister have given me unwavering support since day one, even when everyone else doubted my dream of one day being signed by an MLB team."

 Collins graduated from Arlington High School in June of 2010. He played four seasons of varsity baseball for the Admirals. He  also played four seasons of varsity basketball and football and academically was a Dean’s List student at Arlington.

He would go to play college ball at both Dutchess Community College and then for Manhattanville College in Purchase.

He had made as far as playing for an independent league team known as the San Rafael Pacifics, before deciding to return to Manhattanville and take a job as a pitching coach.

After a long and anxious wait, Collins signed a contract with the Rays on Monday the following day, he reported to the Rays' minor-league affiliate in Port Charlotte, Florida.

Congrats!