R.A. Dickey accomplished what every pitcher dreams about by winning the 2012 National League Cy Young Award, making him the first knuckleballer to win the prestigious award. While the Mets season fell off the rails, Dickey's season was nothing short of amazin'.

When the Mets signed Dickey in the 2009 offseason, he was nothing but an after thought (to quote our very own king of sarcasm, Matt Kaufman, "R.A. Dickey= CHAMPIONSHIP!"). Since then he has been anything but. Dickey was signed on a minor league invite to Spring Training for the 2010 season and was the first player cut coming into camp. On April 29th, while pitching for Buffalo, Dickey allowed a leadoff single to start off the game, then proceeded to retire the next 27 batters in consecutive order. This caught the attention of the Mets front office and on May 19th, Dickey's contract was purchased from Buffalo and he made his Mets debut against Washington that same evening pitching.

Once considered to be a top pitching prospect, Dickey spent most of his career as a journeyman; spending time in Texas, Minnesota, and Seattle. After his May 19th call-up, Dickey hasn't seen the minors since. Dickey provided a shot in the arm to the Mets fanbase becoming a beloved figure, even the subject of local memorabilia.

This season was one for the ages, for Dickey. He was named to the All-Star team for the first time in his career, became a best selling author, subject of a critically acclaimed documentary, and now can add Cy Young winner to what has become quite an extensive resume. This not only legitimizes him, but also legitimize the knuckleball whom many have said is a circus pitch. So to the few doubters left, it is time to fear the knuckler.