I always thought that Bobby Knoop's name was pretty odd. I assumed it was pronounced "Nupe" (rhymes with loop) on account of the double-o. But analysts and announcers seem to pronounce it "Nopp" (rhymes with cop). Oh well.
Fun facts about Bobby Knoop:
-Bobby was born in Sioux City, IA but attended high school in Montebello, CA before signing with the Braves in 1956.
-He was stuck in the minors for eight years before the Angels claimed him in the Rule 5 draft, ensuring him a spot on the major league roster in 1964. Though he batted just .216 with a .289 on-base percentage, 7 home runs, and 38 RBI, he saw action in all 162 games as a 25-year-old rookie.
-Knoop achieved personal bests in 1965 with a .269 average and 24 doubles.
-His most productive season was 1966, when he socked 17 home runs, drove in a team-high 72 runs, and led the American League with 11 triples. He was named to his only All-Star team.
-Bobby was a gifted defensive second baseman, nicknamed "Nureyev" by sportswriters who compared his dexterity and grace to the Russian ballet dancer. He partnered with shortstop Jim Fregosi to give the Angels a successful double-play combo and won three straight Gold Gloves (1966-1968).
-He was traded to the White Sox in May 1969 when his offense began to slip. However, he remained a top defender during his two seasons in Chicago.
-Though he hit just seven home runs in 1969, two came in a May 30 loss to the Senators.
-Knoop finished his career with the Royals, where he backed up Cookie Rojas in 1971-1972. In parts of 9 big league seasons he batted .236 with 56 home runs and 331 RBI.
-Loved to face: Camilo Pascual (.415/.442/.683 in 43 plate appearances). Hated to face: Steve Barber (.065/.137/.065 in 51 PA).
-He spent nearly a quarter-century coaching for the White Sox, Angels, and Blue Jays. Today he is an assistant coach at Seton Catholic High in Arizona.
We always pronounced it "ka-nop". I remember Yankee broadcasters calling him that. Then again, it was Phil Rizutto so don't go by me. ;^\
ReplyDeleteI remember him when he was with the White Sox. It might just be my foggy memory, but I too thought his name was pronounced Ka-Nop.
ReplyDeleteBob and Wrigley - Ka-nop, huh? I stand corrected.
ReplyDelete"Ka-nop" was how I got it from Ned Martin and Ken Coleman in Boston, too, so it wasn't just Rizutto or the Chi-Sox announcers.
ReplyDeleteI grew up very close to the Knoop Family. It is pronounced Ka-nop! His younger brother Gary basically lived with my family and we visitied Bobby's home quite often in Montebello and Yorba Linda, California. Arguable the best fielding second baseman ever!
ReplyDeleteAs a member of the Knoop family, I can assure you Knoop is pronounced "ku-nup".
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