The Perfect Knight

Robert Knight

What's the secret to throwing a perfect game? Kidzworld asked Robbie Knight who struck out all 18 batters he faced during a Little League game on June 4, 2001. There haven't been that many strikeouts in a row since that geek from your science class asked every girl in the school out on a date.

Robbie has become a bit of a celebrity since his six innings of perfection in Harper Woods, Michigan. He's been getting calls from radio and television stations around North America. "In the third inning I realized I was striking out every batter. I just tried to concentrate on each guy and not worry about the perfect game," says the 12 year-old who lists Pedro Martinez of the Boston Red Sox as his favorite pitcher.

"Towards the end of the game I could kinda tell some of the guys on the other team didn't really want to face me anymore. Guys were backing away from the plate and some were just trying to kill the ball with every swing. They were slamming their bats down and I could tell they were getting frustrated," admits Robbie who also had three hits in the game.

Robbie says he did feel a little nervous. The 18th and final batter was up 3 - 0 in the count before Robbie threw three strikes in a row to get the last out. "When the last guy struck out - I just became relaxed, like, all the pressure was off. Then all the guys on my team started celebrating." He threw mostly fastballs during the game but he did mix in some sliders and a few curveballs.

The only thing less than perfect about the game was that his parents missed it. His Dad was driving Robbie's brother to another baseball game and his mom was playing softball just down the street. Robby will take the mound again on June 13, 2001. "I won't worry about striking everyone out. I'll just try to win the game."

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