Bob Knepper

From BR Bullpen

Robert Wesley Knepper

Bats Left, Throws Left
Height 6' 2", Weight 200 lb.

Debut September 10, 1976
Final Game June 24, 1990
Born May 25, 1954 in Akron, OH USA

[edit] Biographical Information

Bob Knepper was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 2nd round of the June 6, 1972 amateur draft. The 18 year old left-hander started his pro career with the Great Falls Giants of the (Rookie) Pioneer League shortly thereafter. He hung up a 7-1 record in 12 games for a 1.46 ERA. He would spend 4 more years in the minors with the Fresno Giants, Decatur Commodores and the Phoenix Giants before getting his first look at major league hitters in 1976. He picked up 1 win and 2 losses in 4 games and 25 innings with a 3.24 ERA during this short stay.

Knepper went 3-6 with the Phoenix Giants in 1977 and also picked up 11 wins against 9 losses with a 3.36 ERA in his first real go at the big leaguers. Knepper stepped into San Francisco's starting rotation, replacing injured John Montefusco, in 1977.

The following year, Knepper led NL lefthanders in ERA, led the entire league in shutouts, and won a career-high 17 games. Two straight off-years resulted in a trade to the Houston Astros for Enos Cabell, where Knepper became the winningest lefthander in Astros history. He was the NL Comeback Player of the Year in 1981 (9-5, 2.18), finishing second to Nolan Ryan in the ERA race.

From 1984 to 1986 Knepper was one of the NL's best lefties. His 17 wins in 1986 tied the Astros record for lefthanders. He also tied teammate Mike Scott for the league lead with five shutouts. Knepper took leads to the ninth inning in Games Three and Six of the 1986 LCS, but the New York Mets rallied to win both, and the series.

Knepper dipped to a league-high 17 losses in 1987, but in 1988 a great start propelled him to a 14-5, 3.14 record. He returned to the Giants in 1989 after a terrible start and finished 7-12, with a 5.13 ERA. Knepper tried again with the Giants but went 3-3 in 12 games and finished out his active baseball career with the AAA Phoenix Firebirds 1-2 with a 3.65 ERA.

Bob Knepper had 19 seasons in professional baseball, 1972 through 1990. He retired at the age of 36.

Career Pitching Statistics