Chuck Knoblauch

Once heralded as a fundamentally sound second baseman, Chuck Knoblauch made a career out of turning double plays and stealing bases in the MLB. Coming into the league from Texas A&M, Knoblauch couldn’t have gotten off to a better start, earning the AL Rookie of the Year honors and helping the Minnesota Twins win the World Series. The Gold Glove Winner in 1997 didn’t make very many friends in Minnesota when he publicly demanded a trade from the team. His wish was granted when he was traded to the New York Yankees, pairing him with all-time great Derek Jeter as one of the most highly anticipated middle-infield duos in history. Knoblauch didn’t get off to a spectacular start to his Yankee career but he was a major factor on a Yankees team that won three consecutive World Series from 1998-2000. Towards the end of his Yankees career, Knoblauch began to suffer from the “yips” when he suddenly began making errant throws to first base. Manager Joe Torre moved Knoblauch to left field but he was never the same fielder nor hitter he had once been, clearly suffering from his throwing woes.  He tried playing one final season in 2002 with the Kansas City Royals but ultimately retired from the sport as a 4x All-Star with 4 World Series rings.