Phil Knell

From BR Bullpen

Phil Knell.jpg

Philip H. Knell

  • Bats Right, Throws Left
  • Weight 154 lb.

BR page

Biographical Information[edit]

". . . Phil Knell . . . depended mostly on a slow ball for effect . . ." - Sporting Life of February 27, 1892

"One man vowed that Phil Knell, the California boy, who, by the way, is now umpiring on the West Coast, had the best bunch of benders in the history of the game." - from the April 21, 1906 issue of Sporting Life, about a debate regarding the most deceptive lefties

"Phil Knell, the Californian, had corking curves, speed, etc., but no pitching luck . . ." from the Sporting Life issue of February 27, 1909

Phil Knell pitched six years in the majors, in three different leagues. His most notable years were 1890, when he went 22-11 in the Players League, and 1891, when he was 28-27 in the last year of the American Association.

Knell was the first San Francisco-born pitcher to win over 75 games in the majors.

In 1900 he pitched for San Francisco of the California League. One reference says Knell pitched 20 years in the California League and apparently in semi-pro ball, and was still active at age 40.

A report in October 1913 said he was appointed to be a minor league umpire. He had previously worked four American Association games in 1891, and one National League game in 1895.

Notable Achievements[edit]

  • AA Shutouts Leader (1891)
  • 20 Wins Seasons: 2 (1890 & 1891)
  • 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 4 (1890-1892 & 1894)
  • 300 Innings Pitched Seasons: 1 (1891)
  • 400 Innings Pitched Seasons: 1 (1891)
  • 200 Strikeouts Seasons: 1 (1891)

Records Held[edit]

  • Hit batters, season (before 1893), 54, 1891

Related Sites[edit]