Nice throw, Knoblauch

Strangely enough I was a big fan of Chuck Knoblauch when he broke in with the Twins. When he went to the Yankees and helped them win the Series I was happy for him. Then all of a sudden he forgot how to throw and his career was over.

"The problem began in his second season with the Yankees, in 1999, and grew worse. In 2000, a Knoblauch throw sailed into the first-base stands at Yankee Stadium and struck the mother of broadcaster Keith Olbermann in the face. One of the simpler things in baseball — a throw many fans could pull off — had become a nightmare for Knoblauch.

I was surprised when I saw his name in the Mitchell report. He wasn't exactly a power hitter. The NYT tracked him down and got this quote :

“Mad about it? No,” he said. “You know what? One of my strongest characteristics is not really caring what people think. I’m living my life. It’s not going to change my life one way or the other. You know, I’m not trying to get in the Hall of Fame. I got one vote though.” Knoblauch did have one request. “Don’t tell anybody where I live,” he said.

Malcom Gladwell also had an interesting take on the steroid scandal.