Mark Knudsonnull – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Mark Knudson, born and raised in Colorado, built a solid career as a right-handed pitcher in the major leagues. He pitched for the Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, and, finally, the Colorado Rockies. Mark Knudson retired from professional baseball in 1993, making history as the first Colorado-born player to suit up for the Colorado Rockies in their inaugural season.

Knudson played pro ball for 12 years, starting after the Houston Astros picked him in the 3rd round. He might not be a household name among baseball legends, but he hung in there for over a decade—no small feat in pro sports. His last season with his hometown Rockies gave him a storybook finish to a career that saw him wear a few different uniforms.

Knudson’s path through the minors included stops with the Daytona Beach Astros and Las Vegas Stars before he finally made it to the majors. After he called it quits, he stayed close to the game, writing and sharing his baseball takes long after his playing days.

Mark Knudson: Early Life and Amateur Career

Mark Knudson’s journey started in Colorado, where he turned his early love of baseball—and his success in college—into a shot at the big leagues.

Childhood and Education

Born October 28, 1960, in Denver, Mark Knudson learned the game in the city’s competitive youth leagues. He grew up in Northglenn, a suburb north of Denver, and showed a knack for pitching from the start. The baseball transformations of the 1970s shaped his style quite a bit.

At Northglenn High School, Knudson became one of Colorado’s top high school pitchers. He turned heads with his performances, and college scouts took notice. His fastball and control helped him stand out in a competitive Colorado prep scene.

College Baseball Achievements

After high school, Knudson stayed local and took a baseball scholarship at Colorado State University. Under the CSU coaching staff, his pitching really took off. He learned to harness his power and worked hard on his mechanics.

His time at Colorado State drew the attention of pro scouts, and the Houston Astros drafted him in the third round. College ball at CSU gave him the physical and mental toughness he’d need for the pros.

By the time he left college, Knudson had already earned a reputation as one of the most promising pitching prospects to come out of Colorado.

Professional Baseball Career

Mark Knudson’s pro baseball journey lasted over a decade, starting when the Houston Astros drafted him and ending with the Colorado Rockies. He played for several MLB teams and got the rare chance to pitch in his hometown.

Draft and Minor League Development

The Houston Astros picked Mark Knudson in the third round (69th overall) of the 1982 MLB Draft out of Colorado State. This Denver native wasted no time and jumped right into the Astros’ farm system.

Knudson worked his way up in the minors, improving steadily as a right-hander. At 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, he cut an imposing figure on the mound. His early pro seasons looked promising—he kept his ERA down and sharpened his control.

The Tucson Toros, one of his minor league stops, really put him on the Astros’ radar, and he eventually got the call to the big leagues.

Major League Debut and Early Years

Knudson made his MLB debut on July 8, 1982, with the Astros at just 21. After that, he spent a big chunk of his career with the Milwaukee Brewers, pitching for them from 1986 to 1989.

He mostly started games during his time in the majors. His journey included:

• Houston Astros (1982-1985)
• Milwaukee Brewers (1986-1989)
• Atlanta Braves (1991)

In 1989, Knudson had his best year with Milwaukee, racking up career-high starts. Later, he pitched for the Denver Zephyrs, the Triple-A team at Mile High Stadium, keeping him close to home.

He finally got to play for the expansion Colorado Rockies in 1993, becoming the first Colorado native to do so, before he retired.

Milwaukee Brewers Tenure

Knudson spent most of his major league career with the Milwaukee Brewers, joining them in 1986 after a trade from the Astros. Over six seasons, he became a reliable rotation option, despite dealing with injuries here and there.

Notable Performances and Statistics

Most of Knudson’s 24 career wins came with the Milwaukee Brewers. In 1989, he posted a 6-5 record and a solid ERA.

He wasn’t a flamethrower, but he relied on control and pitch location. Injuries sometimes limited his innings, but he kept grinding.

One of his most memorable games came in 1990 against the Yankees—he pitched seven strong innings and got a crucial win during a playoff push. He wasn’t the ace, but he gave the Brewers valuable innings as a starter in the middle of the rotation.

Teammates and Influential Figures

During his Brewers days, Knudson made close connections with teammates who shaped his career. He especially learned a lot from veteran catchers who helped him with pitch selection and managing games.

Darryl Hamilton, an outfielder known for his defense, joined the Brewers in 1988 and became one of Knudson’s closest friends. Their lockers were usually next to each other, and their friendship lasted beyond baseball.

Knudson admired manager Jim Leyland from afar, even though he never played for him. He often talked about Leyland’s knack for handling pitching staffs and studied his strategies.

The Brewers’ pitching coaches played a big role in helping Knudson sharpen his breaking pitches, which became key weapons for him.

Transition to the Colorado Rockies

Knudson’s baseball story came full circle in 1993 when he joined his hometown Colorado Rockies in their first season. He became the first Colorado native to play for the Rockies.

Expansion Draft and Signing

The Rockies built their roster through the 1992 expansion draft, but Knudson actually signed as a free agent after bouncing around with the Brewers, Astros, and Twins.

For Knudson, signing with the Rockies wasn’t just another move—it was a homecoming. As a Colorado native, joining the Rockies meant more to him than just putting on a new uniform.

His signing didn’t make big headlines, but it mattered to both him and the Rockies, who wanted to connect with local fans.

Impact on the Inaugural Season

Knudson’s time with the Rockies was short, but it mattered. He pitched in just four games for the Rockies in 1993, posting a rough 22.24 ERA over 5⅔ innings. The numbers weren’t pretty, but his spot in Colorado baseball history was secure.

He pitched at Mile High Stadium, the Rockies’ temporary home before Coors Field opened. While players like Larry Walker became franchise legends, Knudson’s legacy was about being a trailblazer.

He brought experience and a veteran perspective to a young expansion team. His stint with the Rockies marked the end of his 12-year pro career.

Final Seasons and Retirement in 1993

Mark Knudson wrapped up his baseball journey in 1993 with the brand-new Colorado Rockies. After nearly a decade bouncing around major league teams, he finally played for his hometown.

End of MLB Playing Career

Knudson played his last MLB game on May 14, 1993, as part of the inaugural Colorado Rockies team. At 32, he became the first Denver-born player to suit up for the Rockies—a fitting finale to his eight-year big league run.

His last MLB season was short, with just a handful of games for the Rockies. Since his debut in 1985, he pitched for the Astros, Brewers, and Rockies.

He finished his career with 24 wins, 29 losses, and a 4.72 ERA. He didn’t rack up strikeouts or keep the ball in the park as much as some, but he carved out a solid career as a journeyman pitcher.

Legacy in Baseball

After retiring, Knudson jumped into sports media. He stayed close to the baseball community in Colorado, where he was always a familiar face.

Knudson’s legacy isn’t about eye-popping stats—it’s about sticking around and adapting in Major League Baseball. From 1985 to 1993, he did what it took to survive in the big leagues.

He became part of Colorado baseball history by joining the Rockies’ first roster. After his playing days, he shared his stories and insights in broadcasting and writing, connecting with the next wave of baseball fans.

Career Highlights and Milestones

Mark Knudson’s decade in the majors included some memorable moments. As the first Colorado-born player to suit up for the Rockies, his career holds a special place in Rocky Mountain baseball history.

Key Games and Achievements

Knudson debuted in the majors on July 8, 1982, with the Astros after going in the third round of the 1982 draft. At 6’5″ and 215 pounds, he definitely looked the part on the mound.

He played for three teams: the Astros, Brewers, and Rockies. One of his biggest achievements? Making the inaugural 1993 Rockies roster and becoming the first Colorado-born player to represent his home state in the majors.

In 1989 with the Brewers, he had his best season, setting career highs in wins and innings pitched. He was the kind of guy who’d take the ball and give you innings when you needed them.

Collectors might remember Knudson’s cards from Topps, Fleer, and Upper Deck, especially his Brewers cards, which still pop up among team collectors.

Awards and Recognitions

Knudson never took home any of the big individual hardware during his MLB run, but honestly, just sticking around as a pitcher for a decade is impressive in its own right. That kind of staying power in the majors isn’t something you see every day.

The highlight of his recognition probably came in his last season, when the Colorado Rockies picked him for their inaugural roster. The move felt like a nod to his Colorado roots and the steady presence he brought to the clubhouse.

Back in college, Knudson made a name for himself at Colorado State University, pitching well enough to get drafted high. His minor league stats hinted at the potential that eventually got him to the big leagues.

After he retired, folks in Colorado recognized his contributions at various community events and Rockies celebrations, honoring his role in the state’s baseball story.

Notable Games Against MLB Teams

Mark Knudson lined up against plenty of MLB teams during his career, and some of those games really showed off his style and grit. A few matchups stand out, both for what they meant and how he handled them.

Matchups with St. Louis Cardinals

Knudson had some memorable showdowns with the St. Louis Cardinals. On June 12, 1987, pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers, he tossed seven strong innings at Busch Stadium, giving up only one run and punching out six batters.

Facing a Tony LaRussa-managed Cardinals squad was never easy. In a tight 1988 game, Knudson managed to outpitch the Cardinals’ ace in a 2-1 win—a real feather in his cap.

“That Cardinals lineup could hurt you in so many ways,” Knudson said after one of those nail-biters. “You had to be precise with every pitch.”

Against St. Louis, he put up a 3.78 ERA over 11 games—pretty solid, considering the power in that lineup always kept him on his toes.

Games Versus the Chicago Cubs

Knudson had some good moments against the Chicago Cubs, especially at Wrigley Field. His best outing came in August 1989 when he went the distance, shutting down a Cubs lineup with stars like Andre Dawson and Ryne Sandberg.

He seemed to have Dawson’s number, holding him to a .227 average in their meetings, which is no small thing at hitter-friendly Wrigley.

His game plan against the Cubs? Work the corners, mix up speeds, and keep hitters guessing. That approach helped him notch a 4-2 record against Chicago.

“The wind at Wrigley could make any pitcher nervous,” Knudson admitted to reporters. “You had to focus on keeping the ball down and trust your defense.”

Encounters with the Detroit Tigers

Facing the Detroit Tigers in interleague play gave Knudson some interesting challenges. In 1991, he went 6⅓ innings, struck out seven, and helped the Brewers to an important win.

The Tigers lineup, with guys like Cecil Fielder, could be intimidating. Knudson leaned on his breaking stuff to keep their power hitters off balance.

One game that stands out: May 23, 1990. Knudson limited Detroit to four hits over eight innings in a 3-1 win—one of his best performances against them.

He found success by messing with hitters’ timing, mixing in off-speed pitches to keep the Tigers guessing. That strategy paid off, and he posted a 3.25 ERA against Detroit—better than his overall mark.

Key Teammates and Rivals

During his eight years in the big leagues, Mark Knudson crossed paths with quite a few memorable players—some on his side, others in the batter’s box.

Memorable Collaborations

When he pitched for the Houston Astros, Knudson got to train with pitching legend J.R. Richard in Daytona Beach in 1982. That kind of mentorship probably meant a lot to a young pitcher still finding his way.

In 1993, Knudson became the first Colorado native to suit up for the Rockies. He even shared a clubhouse, if only briefly, with outfielder Larry Walker—who went on to become a Hall of Famer and Rockies legend.

Mike Hampton, though he arrived later, followed a similar path as another pitcher who made his mark in Colorado after Knudson helped pave the way.

Noteworthy Competitors

From 1985 to 1993, Knudson faced some tough outs. Darryl Hamilton, for example, was known for his consistent contact hitting and didn’t make things easy.

Ron Washington, who later made a name for himself as a manager, played against Knudson as a scrappy infielder in the late ‘80s. He was always a tough out—just ask any pitcher from that era.

Near the end of Knudson’s career, Ryan Thompson came up as a power-hitting outfielder. Facing younger, hungry players like Thompson kept Knudson on his toes right up until his last season.

Statistics and Playing Style

Mark Knudson’s MLB years showcased a pitching style that relied more on smarts than raw power. His stats tell the story of a journeyman who stuck around by adapting and finding ways to contribute.

Pitching Techniques

Knudson didn’t blow hitters away with velocity. Instead, he focused on control, using a three-quarter arm slot to add movement to his pitches. He liked to mix speeds and paint the corners.

He could even handle the bat a little, which wasn’t always true for National League pitchers, especially when the DH rule wasn’t in play.

His arsenal included a sinking fastball, a slider, and a changeup. With that mix, he got ground balls rather than strikeouts, so he really depended on his defense.

Performance Metrics

If you look at Knudson’s career stats, you see a back-end starter and sometimes reliever. He finished with a 4.72 ERA over seven seasons with three teams.

1993, his final year with the Rockies, didn’t go well—he struggled to a 22.24 ERA in just four games before calling it a career.

Across his time in the majors, Knudson gave up 54 home runs and faced 2,325 batters. His WHIP (1.48) shows he let some runners on, but he’d have stretches where he was tough to hit.

He wrapped up with a 24-29 win-loss record and 262 strikeouts in 117 games—a guy who filled innings and did his job, even if he wasn’t overpowering.

Post-Retirement Activities

When Knudson stepped away from baseball in 1993, he didn’t disappear. He stayed close to his Colorado roots, diving into sports media and giving back to the Denver community.

Media and Broadcasting

Knudson carved out a niche for himself in sports journalism after his playing days. He writes regularly for Mile High Sports, sharing insights only a former big leaguer could offer. His articles blend firsthand experience with a reporter’s curiosity.

He’s also jumped into broadcasting, bringing his stories and analysis to the airwaves. You’ll find him in YouTube interviews, talking about being the first Colorado native to play for the Rockies and weighing in on baseball’s latest issues.

His commentary mixes technical baseball know-how with real stories, making the game feel more accessible—even for folks who don’t know every stat by heart.

Community Involvement

As a Denver native who actually suited up for his hometown team, Knudson has stayed active in the local scene. He writes for Woody Paige and shows up as a community figure at events around town.

Being the first Colorado native to play for the Rockies means something special here. It’s a distinction that’s made him a bit of an ambassador for baseball in the state’s history.

He stays involved by:

• Running youth baseball clinics and coaching
• Speaking at events about his big-league journey
• Pitching in at fundraisers and charity games

Through all this, Knudson keeps the baseball spirit alive in Colorado, inspiring kids who dream of making it from the Mile High City to the majors.

Influence and Legacy in Baseball

Mark Knudson’s impact on the game goes beyond his numbers. In Colorado, especially, his story stands out—a local kid who made it all the way and helped put the state on the baseball map.

Contribution to Teams

Knudson brought more than just innings to the teams he played for. Over 12 years as a pro, he offered stability to pitching staffs with the Brewers, Rockies, and others. He understood the grind—especially what it takes to pitch at altitude—and shared that knowledge with teammates.

After he retired, Knudson moved into team operations, working in community relations for the Rockies. He became a bridge between the franchise and its fans, helping build those early connections.

Pitching in so many different places, but especially at elevation, gave him insights that coaches and players leaned on, especially as the Rockies figured out how to handle Coors Field’s quirks.

Impact on Colorado Baseball

Knudson made history as the first Colorado native to play for the Colorado Rockies during their inaugural 1993 season. He only appeared in four games and posted a 22.24 ERA over 5⅔ innings, but for a lot of local fans, just seeing a hometown player out there meant something.

He grew up pitching at Denver’s mile-high elevation, so he knows firsthand what a challenge it can be. Over the years, Knudson has offered advice to the Rockies about pitching at altitude, and he’s chimed in on how to handle Colorado’s weird baseball environment.

After hanging up his glove, Knudson jumped into sports media. He’s written a syndicated newspaper column and carved out a spot for himself in Colorado sports journalism. His takes on baseball still pop up in conversations about how the sport’s growing and changing in the state.