Chuck Knoblauch

Former MLB second baseman and left fielder for the Twins, Yankees, and Royals.

Edward Charles Knoblauch (born July 7, 1968) is an American former professional baseball player. He played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball, from 1991 through 2002, for the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, and Kansas City Royals. He played mostly as a second baseman before moving to left field for his final two seasons.

Quick Facts

Position: Second baseman
Bats: Right
Born: 7 July 1968
Birthplace: Houston, Texas, U.S.
Debut league: MLB
Debut date: April 9
Debut year: 1991
Debut team: Minnesota Twins

Lore & Background

Knoblauch won the American League Rookie of the Year award and a World Series ring as a member of the 1991 Minnesota Twins. He was a four-time All-Star, batted .289 with 98 home runs and 615 RBIs, and stole 407 bases in his career. He was traded to the New York Yankees on February 6, 1998, and later played for the Kansas City Royals.

Reader's Guide

Knoblauch's throwing troubles, known as the yips, began during his Yankee career. He made 26 errors in 1999, all throwing errors, and was moved to left field in 2001. He was included in the Mitchell report for alleged HGH use in 2001. He pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault in 2010 and was charged with assault of a family member again in 2014.

Did You Know?

Knoblauch missed his senior season of high school due to a broken leg but cheered from the bench as the team won the state championship.
He played collegiate summer baseball with the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League and was inducted into the CCBL Hall of Fame in 2001.
In Game 7 of the 1991 World Series, Knoblauch attempted to deceive Lonnie Smith by appearing to start a double play, though Smith said the decoy was not a factor.