Tom Candiotti (born August 31, 1957 in Walnut Creek, California) is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who was known for his knuckleball. He played for Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Dodgers. Candiotti was originally drafted by Kansas City in 1980 but claimed in the Rule 5 Draft by Milwaukee that year.
After two forgettable seasons with the Brewers, Candiotti signed with Cleveland in 1985, where he would enjoy his most successful seasons. With the woeful Indians of the 1980's, Candiotti would have a record of 72-65 with only one losing season. His best season was 1988 when he went 14-8 with a 3.28 ERA and 137 strikeouts.
In 1991, Cleveland shipped him to Toronto to help in their playoff run. He left the Blue Jays the following season to sign with Los Angeles where he would spend six mediocre years.
He finished up with Oakland and Cleveland before retiring in 1999.
In 2005, his first year of Hall of Fame eligibility, Candiotti received less than 5f the vote (he received 2 votes; the threshold was 26) thus becoming ineligible to appear on future ballots. However, he may be considered for induction into the Hall by the Veterans Committee once 20 years have passed from his date of retirement (2020).
His career stats of 151 wins - 164 losses, 1,735 strikouts and a 3.73 ERA will likely not merit him for serious consideration for the Hall of Fame.
