Mark Knudson

Mark Knudson
Mark Knudson
	Pitcher
	Born: October 28, 1960 (age 64); Denver, Colorado
	Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB debut
	July 8, 1985, for the Houston Astros
Last MLB appearance
	May 14, 1993, for the Colorado Rockies
MLB statistics
Win–loss record	24–29
Earned run average	4.72
Strikeouts	195
Teams
	Houston Astros (1985–1986); Milwaukee Brewers (1986–1991); Colorado Rockies (1993);

Mark Richard Knudson (born October 28, 1960) is a former right-handed professional baseball pitcher. He played all or part of eight seasons in Major League Baseball, between 1985 and 1993, primarily for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Professional career

Astros

Knudson was drafted by the Houston Astros in the third round of the 1982 amateur draft out of Colorado State University. He made his debut with the club on July 8, 1985, and took a 7–4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. He won his first major league game on July 10 of the following season, also against the Phillies. On August 15, 1986 he and fellow pitcher Don August were traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for pitcher Danny Darwin.

Brewers

Knudson pitched as both a starter and long reliever for Milwaukee over the next five seasons, and in 1989 compiled an 8–5 record with a 3.35 ERA. In 1990, we won 10 games, including shut-outs against the Oakland A's and the Boston Red Sox.

After starting and gaining the victory on Opening Day 1991 against the Texas Rangers, Knudson contracted a virus that seriously affected his performance.^{[citation needed]} He came down with a 103-degree fever and lost 10 pounds.^{[citation needed]} He missed most of that season and was sent to Triple A Denver to finish the year, where he helped the Zephyrs win the American Association championship. He was designated for assignment at the end of the year; when he refused, the club released him outright.

Rockies

Knudson spent the 1992 season in the San Diego Padres organization, before signing with the expansion Colorado Rockies in 1993. He only pitched briefly for the team, however. After struggling and posting a 22.24 ERA in just four appearance, he permanently retired from the game.

Personal life

One week after he officially retired, Knudson's wife gave birth to triplets.^{[citation needed]} A native of Denver, Knudson was the first hometown product to play for the Rockies.^{[citation needed]} During his career, Knudson posted wins over three of the four members of the 4,000 strikeout club, Nolan Ryan, Roger Clemens and Randy Johnson.^{[citation needed]}

Since retiring, Knudson has worked for the Rockies in Community Relations, and began a career in sports media. He has written a syndicated newspaper column since 1994, and is also a radio and television broadcaster.

External links

Career statistics and player information from Baseball Reference, or Baseball Reference (Minors)
Mark Knudson at Baseball Library