Bob Kneppernull – Career Highlights and Post-MLB Life

Bob Knepper, a crafty left-handed pitcher, spent 15 seasons in Major League Baseball before finally hanging up his cleats in 1990. He split his career between the San Francisco Giants and Houston Astros, where he built a reputation as a steady starter with a smart mix of pitches. Knepper called it a career at 36 after making 12 appearances for the Astros in 1990, finishing with a 146-155 record and a 3.68 ERA.

The two-time All-Star (1981 and 1988) earned respect for his durability and consistency. Knepper’s best season came in 1986, when he played a big role in getting the Astros to the National League Championship Series. Even with his solid numbers and long run in the majors, Knepper never got that elusive World Series ring.

Bob Knepper’s Professional Baseball Career

Bob Knepper put together a solid 15-year run in Major League Baseball, pitching for both the San Francisco Giants and Houston Astros from 1976 to 1990. His lefty delivery and steady approach made him a valuable starter year after year.

Early Years and MLB Debut

Robert Wesley Knepper was born May 25, 1954, in Akron, Ohio. The San Francisco Giants picked him in the second round (43rd overall) of the 1972 MLB draft out of Calistoga High School in California.

He spent a few years working through the minors, sharpening his pitching and learning how to keep hitters guessing. When he finally debuted for the Giants in 1976 at 22, he looked ready for the big leagues.

Knepper’s rookie year showed some real promise as he adjusted to major league hitters. He quickly made it clear he had the control and poise to stick around.

Rise with the San Francisco Giants

With the Giants, Knepper grew into a dependable starter through the 1970s. In 1978, he broke out with a 17-11 record and a sharp 2.63 ERA, putting himself on the map as a legit front-line guy.

He didn’t overpower hitters, but he made up for it with pinpoint control and a knack for changing speeds. During his San Francisco years (1976-1980), he posted a 46-48 record. The numbers don’t tell the whole story—Knepper’s ERA often looked better than his win-loss totals, which probably says more about the teams behind him than his pitching.

Other players and coaches respected him as a starter who could eat innings and keep his club in the game.

Peak Years with the Houston Astros

Before the 1981 season, the Giants traded Knepper to the Houston Astros. He settled in quickly, making a real impact in Houston.

In the strike-shortened 1981 season, he posted a 9-5 record and a 2.18 ERA. His peak came in 1986 when he went 17-12 with a 3.14 ERA, made his second All-Star team, and helped the Astros win the NL West.

Knepper earned All-Star honors in both 1981 and 1988, showing he could stick around at a high level. Houston fans came to expect 200+ innings from him nearly every year at his best.

He stayed with the Astros until 1989, then returned to the Giants for one last season in 1990. By the end, Knepper had racked up 146 big league wins.

Pitching Style and Signature Techniques

Bob Knepper carved out a unique pitching style over his 15-year career, leaning on finesse instead of pure power. His lefty delivery, sharp control, and mix of pitches kept hitters off balance.

Strengths on the Mound

Knepper’s biggest strength was his control. He painted the corners and worked the strike zone with precision. Instead of blowing hitters away, he outsmarted them. He put up a 55.7% quality start percentage over his career, which is nothing to sneeze at.

He got a lot of ground balls and soft contact, which played well in pitcher-friendly parks. That smooth, repeatable delivery let him go deep into games—he even led the California League with 238 innings pitched early on, and that workhorse mentality carried over to the majors.

Key Pitches and Approach

Knepper worked with a sinking fastball, cut fastball, slow curve, and changeup. His sinker was a go-to pitch, generating double plays and getting him out of jams.

The slow curve turned into his calling card—a big, loopy pitch that dropped off the table. Batters often swung too early, fooled by the break.

He mixed his pitches well, never falling into a predictable pattern. Against righties, that cut fastball jammed them inside and kept them from squaring up.

He never struck out a ton of guys, but his approach worked. Knepper had a knack for reading situations, figuring out the umpire’s zone, and adjusting to hitters on the fly.

Standout Seasons and Notable Achievements

Bob Knepper’s MLB career was full of solid performances for both the Giants and Astros. He made the All-Star team twice, pitched in the playoffs, and put up numbers that showed his reliability.

All-Star Selections

Knepper made two All-Star teams, putting him in the mix with the game’s best. The first came in 1981, right after the trade to Houston, which had to feel pretty good for both him and the Astros. His second nod came in 1988, showing he still had it well into his 30s.

Both seasons, his control and efficiency stood out in a league full of hard-throwers.

Memorable Moments

Knepper’s most memorable playoff moment happened in the 1986 NLCS against the Mets. In Game 3, he pitched a gem, helping the Astros grab a 2-1 series lead in a showdown that’s still talked about.

He helped Houston win the NL West that year, and his steady presence in the rotation was a big part of their push.

He built his game around control and movement, not power. That made his success even more impressive during an era dominated by hard throwers.

Major Milestones and Records

Over his career, Knepper put together some strong numbers:

• 146 career wins in 15 seasons
• More than 2,000 innings pitched
• Nearly 1,200 career strikeouts
• 6 seasons with 10+ wins

His top statistical year was 1986: 17-12, 3.14 ERA, and just 53 walks over 258 innings.

Knepper thrived at the Astrodome, using the big ballpark to his advantage. He retired in 1990 at 36, leaving behind a reputation for consistency and professionalism.

Houston Astros Years: Partnerships and Playoff Runs

Bob Knepper’s years with the Houston Astros stretched nearly a decade. He became a key part of their rotation, made two All-Star squads, and helped anchor some memorable playoff runs.

Pitching Duo with Mike Scott

Knepper and Mike Scott teamed up to form one of the National League’s toughest pitching duos in the mid-80s. In 1986, Scott took home the Cy Young with his nasty split-finger, while Knepper backed him up with a 17-12 record and a 3.14 ERA.

The left-right combo gave hitters fits, especially at the Astrodome. In Game 3 of the 1986 NLCS, Knepper shut out the Mets for 8 innings before the bullpen lost it late.

“When Bob was on, he was as good as anyone in the game,” Alan Ashby once said. “Having him and Mike at the top of our rotation gave us a chance to win every series.”

Key Teammates and Clubhouse Dynamics

Knepper’s success in Houston didn’t happen in a vacuum. He worked well with catcher Alan Ashby, who seemed to know exactly how to call his games.

The infield behind him featured Glenn Davis at first and, later on, Ken Caminiti at third. Outfielders like Jose Cruz and Terry Puhl tracked down plenty of balls, turning Knepper’s grounders and fly balls into outs.

The Astros clubhouse during Knepper’s run had a good mix—young guys like Craig Biggio, veterans like Rafael Ramirez, and reliever Dave Smith, who often came in to close out Knepper’s wins.

Gerald Young brought some speed to the outfield after 1987, giving the defense another boost.

Transition and Retirement in 1990

Bob Knepper’s baseball journey wrapped up in 1990 after 15 seasons. By then, he was running out of gas, and the end came pretty quickly.

Final MLB Appearances

Knepper started 1990 with the Astros, but it was clear his stuff wasn’t what it used to be. At 36, he just couldn’t get hitters out like before. He made 12 appearances, posted a 3-3 record, and his ERA ballooned to 5.68.

The Astros put him on waivers on June 25, 1990, ending his long run with the team.

A couple of teams, like the Montreal Expos, poked around, but nothing came together that made sense for Knepper.

Decision to Retire

After the Astros let him go, Knepper hit a major crossroads in his career. He had some chances to sign on as a reliever with other teams, but he decided to call it quits after 15 years in the majors.

It wasn’t an easy decision for him. Knepper had enjoyed the highs of two All-Star nods and earned a reputation as a steady starter for a long stretch. Still, as his performance declined and age crept up, he figured it was time.

He wrapped up his career with a 146-155 record, 1,130 strikeouts, and a 3.68 ERA. He only ever pitched for two teams—the San Francisco Giants (1976-1980) and the Houston Astros (1981-1989, 1990).

Knepper’s retirement came at the same time as several other big names stepped away from the game, closing out an era in baseball.

Career Statistics and Legacy

Bob Knepper pitched in the majors for 15 seasons, from 1976 to 1990, suiting up for the Giants and Astros. His stats tell the story of a pitcher who brought both steadiness and flashes of brilliance to the mound.

Win-Loss Records and ERA

Knepper finished with a 146-155 win-loss record, just under .500, but honestly, not bad for his time. His career ERA stood at 3.68, a number that showed he could keep runs off the board, even in some high-scoring years.

He really shined during his time with the Astros. In 1981, he made his first All-Star team and got some recognition for bouncing back in a big way.

Knepper started 413 games, showing that he could handle a heavy workload season after season. Managers didn’t hesitate to pencil him into the rotation, knowing they’d get a solid outing.

Strikeouts, Shutouts, and Complete Games

Knepper racked up 1,473 strikeouts over 2,708 innings. He wasn’t really a strikeout machine by today’s standards, but those numbers fit the style and era he pitched in.

He made a name for himself with complete games at a time when starters were expected to go the distance. Knepper’s stamina and knack for shutting teams out set him apart.

His career WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched) came in at 1.33, which speaks to his decent control and ability to keep runners off the bases. He focused more on location and movement than just blowing hitters away.

Knepper could chew up innings and deliver quality starts, which made him a valuable asset for any rotation. Managers leaned on him every fifth day, knowing he’d take the ball without complaint.

Postseason Performance

Knepper got his shot at the postseason with the Astros, especially in the National League Championship Series (NLCS). Pitching under playoff pressure, he added to his reputation as a dependable starter.

In the 1986 NLCS against the Mets, Knepper came through with key innings in one of the wildest playoff series of the decade. He helped push that series to the brink.

Even though he pitched well in October, Knepper never got a World Series ring. That’s probably the one gap in an otherwise solid career.

His playoff outings showed both his skill and the level of competition in the National League during the 1980s. Knepper faced lineups loaded with future Hall of Famers, and he held his own when it mattered most.

Notable Games and Opponents

Over 15 big-league seasons, Bob Knepper took the mound against plenty of tough teams and delivered some memorable games in legendary ballparks. His approach and competitive streak led to some classic matchups.

Key Matchups Against Rival Teams

Knepper often pitched his best against NL East opponents. He seemed to have the Montreal Expos’ number, using his breaking stuff to keep their right-handed hitters in check. In 1981, when he posted a 3.14 ERA, he tossed two complete-game wins against the Expos.

The Phillies, with all their firepower (think Mike Schmidt), posed a real challenge. Still, Knepper stayed calm and mixed his pitches smartly. In one game in 1979, he outdueled Steve Carlton in Philly, going eight innings and giving up just one run.

He also had some dominant outings against the Mets. In 1984, pitching for Houston, he threw a two-hit shutout at Shea Stadium—a performance fans still talk about.

Memorable Outings at Iconic Ballparks

Wrigley Field, despite its reputation as a hitter’s haven, seemed to suit Knepper. He could get ground balls when he needed them, which worked well on the Cubs’ home turf. In June 1982, he threw a complete-game shutout there on a day when most pitchers struggled.

Fenway Park was a different beast, especially late in his career during interleague play. The Green Monster forced Knepper to change his usual plan, keeping pitches low and away from righties. Even with the odds stacked against him, he managed a quality start in his lone appearance there in 1988.

Back in his Giants days, Knepper thrived at Candlestick Park. The swirling winds that bothered so many pitchers seemed to make his breaking pitches nastier. His home ERA with San Francisco always looked good.

Influences and Relationships in Baseball

Bob Knepper built some important connections throughout his 15 years in the big leagues. His interactions with teammates, coaches, and even rivals shaped his career and left an impression on those around him.

Bob Knepper’s Lasting Impact on the Game

Bob Knepper made his mark on baseball not just with his stats, but with his pitching style and the impact he had on the Giants and Astros. His legacy goes beyond the numbers—he influenced the teams he played for and the people he played with.

Reputation Among Pitchers

Knepper earned respect for his control and his knack for shutting teams down. Those 30 career shutouts made up more than 20% of his wins, which is pretty impressive.

He spent 15 seasons as a left-handed starter, building a reputation for durability and dependability. Two All-Star selections show that people in the game noticed his work.

Other pitchers paid attention to his preparation and technique. Younger teammates learned a lot just by watching how he went about his business.

With 146 career wins, Knepper landed among the more successful pitchers of his generation, even if he never became a household name.

Place in Franchise Histories

Knepper made a name for himself with the San Francisco Giants early on, pitching from 1976-1980. Giants fans remember him as a bright spot during some tough years.

He really made his biggest impact with the Houston Astros, pitching there for nine seasons. Knepper anchored their rotation in the 1980s, helping the Astros stay competitive in a stacked National League West.

That 1986 season stands out—he won 17 games, posted a 3.14 ERA, and helped Houston grab a division title.

Both teams still view Knepper as a key part of their pitching history, even if he’s not in the team hall of fame or doesn’t have his number retired.

Personal Life and Activities After Baseball

When he retired in 1990, Bob Knepper shifted gears pretty smoothly. He focused on family, got involved in community service, and started sharing his baseball knowledge with younger players. Giving back has really become a big part of his life since leaving the game.

Community Involvement

Knepper keeps his personal life fairly private, but his community work says a lot. He’s worked with a bunch of charities, especially those aimed at helping kids and supporting education.

In the early 2000s, he joined in at several Giants alumni events, staying connected to his first big-league team. Fans have seen him at card shows and conventions, where he’s always happy to talk baseball.

His Christian faith, which was well known during his playing days, remains central. He’s stayed active in church outreach and has spoken at faith-based events, talking about the links between sports and spirituality.

Coaching and Mentoring

After hanging up his cleats, Knepper started sharing his pitching expertise with younger players. He’s spent time with pitchers at all kinds of levels, from youth leagues to college teams, always focusing on solid mechanics and the mental side of the game.

Instead of jumping into a full-time coaching gig in pro baseball like some former players, Knepper’s taken a looser, more flexible path. He’s run pitching clinics and workshops around the country, and even held sessions in Puerto Rico—baseball’s still a big deal there.

He puts a lot of emphasis on the basics and building character. Folks who’ve worked with him often mention his patience and how he can make tricky pitching ideas click for just about anyone.

Every now and then, you’ll find Knepper at fantasy camps with the Astros and Giants. He’ll coach amateur players and swap stories from his 15-year MLB career, which ran from 1976 to 1990.