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 Houston 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 Houston 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 New York 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, 5.13. (ME)
Contribute your recollections of Bob Knepper by clicking here.
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»June 10, 1977:
Rick Reuschel scatters four hits and strikes out seven to give the Cubs a 3–1 win over the Giants. Bob Knepper loses, his first decision of the year.
»July 27, 1985: For the second time in a week, the Mets win, 16–4, this time pounding the Astros in the opener of a twinbill sweep. They break a 4–4 tie in the 7th with a fielder's choice by Keith Hernandez, 2-run double by Gary Carter and a 3-run home run by Ray Knight. All 16 runs are unearned as relievers DiPino and Medden each give up 6, and starter Bob Knepper allows four runs. Jesse Orosco is the winner in Game One and earns a save for Bill Latham's first ML win in game 2, a 7–3 victory.
»September 21, 1986: In his ML debut, San Diego's Jimmy Jones pitches a one-hitter against the Astros, allowing only a 3rd-inning triple to opposing pitcher Bob Knepper on the way to a 5–0 win. He's the first National League pitcher to debut with a one-hitter since Juan Marichal.
BALLPLAYERS | TEAMS | CHRONOLOGY | TODAY | BOOKS | NEWSLETTER | ERRATA | FAQ
