1975 Topps #352 Darold Knowles

Darold Knowles had a successful 16 season career as a relief pitcher for seven different teams. During his career he appeared in 765 games. He only started a total of 8 games during that span. Knowles finished his career with the highest pick-off rate in MLB. His career pick-off rate was 1 runner every 24 innings.

In 1973 as a member of the Oakland A’s, Knowles became the only pitcher to appear in all seven World Series games. During the 1973 Series, he pitched 6 1/3 innings with an ERA of 0.00. He collected 2 saves during the Series.

Knowles played for the Cubs two years (1975 and 1976). During 1975 he was the closer. However, in 1976, a 23 year old pitcher named Bruce Sutter replaced Knowles in the closer’s spot. Knowles Cub’s career consisted of 116 games with a won-lost record of 11 and 16. He had a two year ERA of 4.50 with 24 saves. Knowles was traded to the Texas Rangers in February 1977 for Gene Clines.