Jake Knodell

Jacob Augustus Knowdell

• Bats Unknown, Throws Unknown
• Height 5' 7½", Weight 148 lb.

• Debut May 15, 1874
• Final Game August 17, 1878
• Born July 26, 1852 in Brooklyn, NY USA
• Died October 26, 1887 in Flatbush, NY USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Jake Knodell was thought to have been 33 years old when he began play in the National Association in 1874. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he played in 1874 and 1875 for the Brooklyn Atlantics, and then came back briefly in 1878 with the Milwaukee Grays in the National League.

He also played for the 1882 Leadville (CO) Blues. A reference in Sporting Life says he was with Topeka in 1880. A poor hitter but an excellent defensive catcher, he was the regular catcher with the London Tecumsehs who won the International Association champions in 1877.

He made headlines in 1887 when he disappeared with $188 belonging to his brother-in-law. He was arrested, and was reportedly "believed by his friends to be insane". However, Sporting Life had some good words about him, saying:

"Jacob Knowdell, the noted catcher of this city, . . . a few years ago occupied one of the foremost places in the base ball ranks . . ."

However, shortly after that incident, he disappeared from view. Later research by SABR members confirmed that he was interned at Kings County Asylum in Flatbush, NY and died there shortly thereafter. This research also confirmed his date of birth as 1852.

While Knodell is known as a catcher, Sporting Life of March 6, 1915 carried an article about him performing "the greatest feat ever" as an outfielder, in an exhibition game in 1885, when he had more chances than any other outfielder, including throwing four runners out at first base. He was described as "one of the most remarkable throwers and fielders that ever lived".

His name is spelled Knowdell in many records, and sometimes mistakenly Nodell.

Further Reading

• "Jacob Knodell Found", in Bill Carle, ed.: Biographical Research Committee Report, SABR, May/June 2017, pp. 1-2.