Jake Knowdell
From BR Bullpen
Jacob Augustus Knowdell
- Bats Unknown, Throws Unknown
- Height 5' 7½", Weight 148 lb.
- Debut May 15, 1874
- Born 1840 in Brooklyn, NY USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Jake Knowdell was thought to have been 33 years old when he began play in the National Association in 1874. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he played in 1874 and 1875 for the Brooklyn Atlantics, and then came back briefly in 1878 with the Milwaukee Grays in the National League. More recent research places his birth date in 1855, which would have made him 19 when he started in the NA.
He also played for the 1882 Leadville (CO) Blues. A reference in Sporting Life says he was with Topeka in 1880.
He made headlines in 1887 when he disappeared with $188 belonging to his brother-in-law. He was arrested, and was reportedly "believed by his friends to be insane". However, Sporting Life had some good words about him, saying:
"Jacob Knowdell, the noted catcher of this city, . . . a few years ago occupied one of the foremost places in the base ball ranks . . ."
While Knowdell is known as a catcher, Sporting Life of March 6, 1915 carried an article about him performing "the greatest feat ever" as an outfielder, in an exhibition game in 1885, when he had more chances than any other outfielder, including throwing four runners out at first base. He was described as "one of the most remarkable throwers and fielders that ever lived".
