Mark Knudson

Knudson was drafted by the Houston Astros in the third round of the 1982 amateur draft out of Colorado State University. He made his debut with the club on July 8, 1985, and took a 7–4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. He won his first major league game on July 10 of the following season, also against the Phillies. On August 15, 1986 he and fellow pitcher Don August were traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for pitcher Danny Darwin.

Knudson pitched as both a starter and long reliever for Milwaukee over the next five seasons, and in 1989 compiled an 8–5 record with a 3.35 ERA. In 1990, he earned a career-best 10 wins.

After starting and gaining the victory on Opening Day 1991 against the Texas Rangers, Knudson contracted a virus that seriously affected his performance. He came down with a 103-degree fever and lost 10 pounds. He missed most of that season and was sent to Triple-A Denver to finish the year, where he helped the Zephyrs win the American Association championship. He was designated for assignment at the end of the year; when he refused, the club released him outright.

Knudson spent the 1992 season in the San Diego Padres organization before signing with the expansion Colorado Rockies in 1993. He only pitched briefly for the team, however. After struggling and posting a 22.24 ERA in just four appearances, he permanently retired from the game.