Braves pitcher John Gant just as confused as you about odd windup

Atlanta Braves rookie reliever John Gant wasn’t well known coming into the season, but that’s probably about to change. Gant made his major-league debut Wednesday against the Washington Nationals, tossing a scoreless ninth inning.

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In the box score, it looks like a normal relief appearance. Gant gave up one hit and struck out one batter. He tossed 14 pitches, 10 of which were strikes. Nothing crazy there, right? Then you turn on your TV in order to watch him pitch and suddenly nothing makes sense anymore.

With Miami Marlins pitcher Carter Capps currently sidelined due to Tommy John surgery, Gant may have the strangest windup and delivery in the majors. He kicks things off (literally) with a high leg kick in order to get himself set. Then, he begins his actual leg kick and delivers the pitch.

Gant calls the initial leg kick a “false step,” according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He also has “no idea” why he does it.

“I think it started in 2014 when I was in Savannah,” said Gant, who pitched for the Mets’ Single-A Savannah affiliate that season, posting a 2.56 ERA with 114 strikeouts in 123 innings over 21 starts. “One of my teammates, my catcher, Colton Plaia, I think it was the day after one of my starts when he was imitating me, kind of making fun of me doing the little false-step leg kick that I do. I said, I don’t really do that. He said, ‘Yeah, you do,’ and everybody chimed in, like, yeah, that’s what you do.

“So from that point on, I guess I kind of noticed myself doing it, and it stuck.”

Amazingly, the delivery is completely legal. Gant’s foot remains on the rubber the entire time, and he makes sure to set himself before beginning his actual windup. It’s strange, but it complies with the rules. That’s probably not going to stop opposing players and fans from screaming “balk” every time he takes the mound.

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Whatever works for him, right? Hunter Pence has carved out a pretty nice career despite looking completely awkward on the field, so Gant can easily do the same. You probably won’t see many coaches teaching young pitchers the Gant windup, but that won’t matter as long as it’s effective on the field.

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