Knoblauch shot out like a cannon early in his career, winning the American League Rookie of the Year and propelling the Minnesota Twins to a World Series win in 1991. The Second Baseman proved to be an excellent leadoff hitter for the Twins, swiping at least 25 bases in his first nine years in the league, including a 62 SB year in 1997. Knoblauch went to four All-Star games as a Twin and had two Silver Sluggers and a Gold Glove in his seven seasons playing in Minnesota. Knoblauch batted .304 with Minnesota and was under 30, and the New York Yankees swooped in and took him in free agency.
While Knoblauch won three World Series rings with the Yanks, his once stellar defensive play became comically bad due to perpetual throwing errors. He was still good offensively, but he never batted .300 for New York. Knoblauch retired after one year in Kansas City, leaving behind a complicated legacy that unfortunately had a dark turn.
The Minnesota Twins had scheduled to induct him to their franchise Hall of Fame in 2014, but it was rescinded following an assault charge against a family member. That was likely the only prominent Hall he had a chance to get in.
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