Alan Knicely – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Alan Lee Knicely made his mark in Major League Baseball over eight seasons from 1979 to 1986. Born in Virginia, he started out as a pitcher but soon discovered he belonged behind the plate. Over his career, he put on the uniform for four different teams: the Houston Astros, Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, and St. Louis Cardinals.

Knicely’s career really shows what it’s like to be a versatile backup catcher—someone who dominated the minors but ran into a wall at the big-league level. His major league batting average sat at just .213, but down in the minors, he flashed real power. He snagged two MVP awards and even took home The Sporting News Minor League Player of the Year in 1984.

His story gives us a peek into the grind of pro baseball, from his early days with the Astros to his last season with the Cardinals. Knicely’s journey highlights the grit it takes to stick around in pro ball, how minor league success doesn’t always translate, and just how tough it is to make it at the highest level.

Early Life and Background

Alan Lee Knicely was born May 19, 1955, in Harrisonburg, Virginia. That’s where he first fell in love with baseball.

He started his baseball path at Turner Ashby High School. There, he built a special connection to the sport, one that ran in the family.

Family and Hometown

Knicely grew up in Harrisonburg, a small city in the Shenandoah Valley. Born in 1955, he was part of a baseball-loving family that ended up sending two sons to the pros.

His brother, Harold Knicely, shared his baseball obsession. Both brothers signed with the same organization in 1974. Harold began as a catcher with the Houston Astros.

The Knicelys had baseball in their blood. Having two sons drafted by the same team in the same year? That’s rare. Family support probably helped Alan develop as a player.

Education and High School Baseball Experience

Alan went to Turner Ashby High School in Bridgewater, Virginia, just outside Harrisonburg. He honed his skills there, catching the eye of pro scouts.

His high school performance turned heads. The Houston Astros saw something in the young Virginian and picked him in the 1974 amateur draft.

At Turner Ashby, Alan laid the groundwork for his career. The coaching and competition he faced pushed him toward the next level.

Transition Into Professional Baseball

The Houston Astros picked Knicely in the third round of the 1974 June amateur draft. He was the 63rd overall pick, which showed they believed in his talent.

He started out pitching in the minors in 1974. But before long, he switched positions—moving to catcher, where he’d spend most of his career.

Harold, his brother, also joined the Astros as a catcher that same year. Both brothers worked their way through the same farm system. That leap from high school to pro ball set Alan on the road to his eight-year MLB career.

Professional Baseball Career Overview

Alan Knicely played eight seasons in the majors from 1979 to 1986, mostly as a backup catcher with four different teams. His journey started in the Astros’ system after the 1974 draft, leading to his MLB debut in 1979.

Minor League Beginnings and Development

Knicely entered the pros when the Astros drafted him in the third round in 1974. He spent five years working his way up through the minors before getting his shot in the majors.

He developed his catching skills and became a reliable defender in the Astros’ farm system. Those minor league years were crucial for his growth as a player.

During that time, Knicely showed off his versatility. He tried out multiple positions, including first base and the outfield.

That long stint in the minors helped him improve his bat and glove. By 1979, he finally got called up to the Astros at 24.

MLB Debut and Team Transitions

Knicely made his big-league debut on August 12, 1979, for the Houston Astros. That game kicked off an eight-year career across four teams.

He stayed with Houston through 1982, playing as a backup catcher and utility guy. Those early years gave him the most playing time.

In 1983, he joined the Cincinnati Reds. He spent most of the next three seasons there before landing with the Phillies in 1985.

His last stop was the St. Louis Cardinals in 1986. That season wrapped up his MLB journey.

Career Team Summary:

• Houston Astros (1979-1982): 4 seasons
• Cincinnati Reds (1983-1985): 3 seasons
• Philadelphia Phillies (1985): Brief stint
• St. Louis Cardinals (1986): Final season

Primary Positions and Versatility

Knicely spent most of his career catching, usually backing up the starters. His defense behind the plate made him a solid team option.

But he didn’t just catch. He played first base, third base, and even filled in at both corner outfield spots. Managers liked having that kind of flexibility on the bench.

At the plate, he hit .213 for his career with 111 hits, 12 home runs, and 61 RBIs in 228 games. Those numbers fit the typical backup catcher profile from that era.

His ability to move around the diamond helped him stick in the majors longer than most catchers. Teams appreciated his willingness to play wherever they needed him.

Time With the Houston Astros

Alan Knicely spent seven years with the Houston Astros from 1974 to 1982. He went from a struggling pitcher to a backup catcher who shined in the minors but had a tougher time in the majors.

Role on the Team

The Astros picked Knicely as a pitcher in the third round of the 1974 MLB Draft. He was coming out of Turner Ashby High School.

He had a rough go as a pitcher in the minors. In 1977, he went 1-5 with an ERA north of 5.00 for the Columbus Astros.

After that, the Astros moved him off the mound. He played shortstop in 1978 and then settled in as a catcher by 1979.

In the majors, Knicely backed up Alan Ashby and Luis Pujols. The Astros also used him in the outfield and at third base when they needed coverage.

In 1982, he made the opening day roster as a right-handed bat off the bench. He played 23 games at catcher and 17 in the outfield that year.

Notable Performances and Highlights

Knicely’s breakout came in 1979 with the Columbus Astros. He crushed 33 home runs and hit .289, earning a share of the Southern League MVP with Danny Heep.

That big year got him his first call-up in August 1979. He played seven games but didn’t record a hit in six at-bats.

The 1981 season was a turning point for his major league career. On September 17, he notched his first MLB hit—a single off John Urrea of the Padres.

He finished 1981 strong, going 4-for-6 in the last two games. He even hit two solo shots, flashing that minor league power.

His best season with Houston came in 1982, but he still struggled, hitting just .188 with two homers in 133 at-bats. After that, the Astros traded him to Cincinnati.

Career Achievements and Awards

Alan Knicely found most of his success in the minors, racking up some big awards. His major league run was steady, contributing to four teams over eight seasons.

Minor League Accolades

Knicely’s best honors came in the minor leagues. In 1984, he won The Sporting News Minor League Player of the Year while with the Wichita Aeros.

That same season, he picked up the American Association MVP award. He was clearly the top player in the league that year.

Earlier, in 1979, he took home the Southern League Player of the Year with the Columbus Astros. That was during his climb up the Astros’ farm system.

He hit 33 home runs twice in the minors. Both times, he easily led his team in homers.

Major League Milestones

Knicely’s Major League Baseball career ran from 1979 to 1986. He made his debut on August 12, 1979, with Houston at age 24.

In the big leagues, he collected 111 hits and 12 home runs across four teams. His .213 average reflected his backup and utility role.

He played for the Astros, Reds, Phillies, and Cardinals. Most of his MLB at-bats came with Cincinnati, where he played under Pete Rose.

He played all over the field: catcher, first base, third base, and the outfield. That flexibility helped him stay in the majors for nearly a decade.

Statistical Highlights

Over his eight-year career, Knicely posted a .213 average with 12 home runs and 61 RBIs. His power numbers and plate discipline stats show just how tough it is to be a utility guy in the bigs.

Home Runs and Power Hitting

Knicely hit 12 home runs in the majors from 1979 to 1986. He did this over 319 plate appearances.

His power numbers stayed pretty steady, though limited, across four teams. The Astros, Reds, and his other stops all got similar production from him.

He drove in 61 RBIs to go with his 12 homers. When he got chances, he brought runners home.

He had some stretches where his power showed up, but as a backup and utility player, he just didn’t get enough at-bats to really get going.

Plate Appearances and Consistency

Knicely totaled 319 plate appearances in his eight MLB seasons. That’s about 40 per year, give or take.

His 111 career hits added up to a .213 average. That number really reflects his part-time role.

He played all over: catcher, first, third, and the outfield. That utility role kept him bouncing around.

He scored 48 runs during his time in the majors. That matches up with his limited plate appearances and contact approach.

Knicely’s last game came on October 4, 1986, at age 31. He went 0-for-2 against the Cubs that day.

Isolated Power Metrics

You can figure out Knicely’s isolated power from his stats. With 12 home runs and a .213 average, he showed some pop but nothing eye-popping.

He stood 6 feet tall and weighed 190 pounds, giving him decent power potential. Still, his isolated power stayed below league averages for his position and era.

As a right-handed hitter, his power numbers shifted a bit from team to team. His best power years came when he got more regular at-bats.

Looking at advanced stats from his era, Knicely’s power ranked in the lower tier among catchers. His role as a utility guy just didn’t give him the reps to really find a power groove.

Twelve home runs over eight seasons works out to about 1.5 per year. Backup players just don’t get many chances to build big numbers.

Retirement and Legacy

Alan Knicely wrapped up his Major League career on October 4, 1986, after eight seasons as a catcher and utility player. He left a mark on four organizations, and teammates and coaches remembered his steady presence and willingness to do whatever the team needed.

Final Season and Retirement in 1986

Knicely wrapped up his final campaign with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1986. He played his last game on October 4, 1986, facing the Chicago Cubs at age 31.

That game closed out a career that started in 1979 and stretched through eight seasons in Major League Baseball. After that, Knicely chose to retire, finishing with a .213 batting average, 12 home runs, and 61 RBIs in 228 games.

He came from Virginia and made his way through four different organizations before calling it a career. Retiring at 31 made sense for catchers back then, honestly, since the position just wore players down.

After stepping away from baseball, Knicely went back home to Virginia. He seemed happy to settle where it all began.

Impact on Teammates and Organizations

Knicely played for four different Major League teams: the Houston Astros, Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, and St. Louis Cardinals. He mostly served as a backup catcher and gave each team some much-needed depth.

Teams Played For:

• Houston Astros (1979-1981)
• Cincinnati Reds
• Philadelphia Phillies
• St. Louis Cardinals (1986)

Managers liked having Knicely around for his versatility. He didn’t just catch—he could fill in at first base or outfield if someone needed a break.

That flexibility made him a handy option for teams looking to patch up their rosters. Coaches noticed his steady approach and work ethic, too.

Knicely helped younger players develop their skills, especially when it came to handling pitching staffs. He just knew the game, and that rubbed off on others.

Recognition Among Baseball Circles

Knicely’s journey from Turner Ashby High School all the way to the majors really stands out. The Houston Astros drafted him in the third round of the 1974 amateur draft, right after high school.

He helped Turner Ashby win a state championship in 1974. Only five years after that, he debuted for the Astros on August 12, 1979, at age 24.

After retiring, Knicely stayed close to baseball in Virginia. He lived in McGaheysville and kept in touch with the sport and the community.

His story still inspires young players in the region. Fans and collectors remember his contributions from the late ‘70s and ‘80s, even if he wasn’t a superstar.

Personal Life and Post-Retirement

Alan Knicely left behind eight MLB seasons and settled into a quieter life back in Virginia. He kept close ties to his community and explored interests outside of baseball.

Life After Baseball

Knicely moved back to McGaheysville, Virginia, after retiring in 1986. He found a comfortable home and held onto keepsakes from his playing days, like his own baseball cards.

He wanted to stay near his roots in the Shenandoah Valley. That choice kept him close to the community where he first learned the game at Turner Ashby High School.

Knicely preferred a private life after baseball. He didn’t chase the spotlight that follows some former athletes.

He focused on building a stable routine away from the pressures of pro sports. The transition seemed to suit him, and he adjusted well to life back home.

Community Involvement and Interests

Knicely stayed connected to baseball through all sorts of local activities around Harrisonburg. People in the community saw him as a respected figure, probably because he was a former major leaguer.

He graduated from Turner Ashby High School and always felt proud of what his alma mater accomplished. Back in 1974, he helped lead the school to a state championship, which was just five years before he made it to the big leagues.

Baseball fans in the area would sometimes reach out to Knicely for advice or just to hear his stories. With eight seasons in MLB under his belt, he could offer younger players some real insight.

Knicely got involved in community baseball events and brought a bit of the pro world to local fields. His presence seemed to inspire athletes who were chasing their own baseball dreams.