Oakland Athletics: The Top 50 Oakland A’s of All-Time
#30: Darold Knowles
As a reliever, Darold Knowles had a career record of 66-74. His 3.12 ERA and 681 strikeouts are a much better representation of his work, however.
Knowles amassed 143 saves in his career, which begain in 1965 with the Baltimore Orioles. After a season with the Phillies and five years with the Washington Senators, Knowles arrived to play for the Athletics just as they began their dynasty.
Although the team didn’t win a Championship in the 1971 season when Knowles first arrived, joining arms like Rollie Fingers in the bullpen, he still performed well. He continued to prove that he was a valuable pitcher, earning saves in both his regular and postseason appearances as the Athletics cruised to three World Series victories. However, his 1974 season was a rough one, and he was dealt to the Chicago Cubs over the winter.
Knowles also played for the Rangers, Expos and Cardinals before finally retiring in 1980. His biggest claim to fame is appearing in all seven games of the 1973 World Series – a feat no other pitcher has ever accomplished.
Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #29