Brandon Knight
Age: 49
player career
- New York Yankees (2001-2002)
- Fukuoka Daiei Hawks (2003-2004) (NPB)
- Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters (2005) (NPB)
- New York Mets (2008)
- Samsung Lions (2009-2010) (KBO)
- Nexen Heroes (2011-2014) (KBO)
coach career
- Hwaseong Heroes Pitching Coordinator (2015-)
Medal record | ||
---|---|---|
Men's baseball | ||
Representing United States | ||
Olympic Games | ||
2008 Beijing | Team |
Brandon Michael Knight (born October 1, 1975 in Oxnard, California) is an American professional baseball player. A right-handed pitcher, Knight plays for the Nexen Heroes in the Korea Baseball Organization.
Professional
Knight, who was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 1995 amateur draft, appeared in 11 major league games for the New York Yankees in 2001 and 2002.
From 2003-2005, Knight played for Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in Japan. He spent two years in Fukuoka, Japan playing for the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks and one year in Sapporo, Japan playing for the Nippon Ham Fighters.
Upon returning to the United States, Knight signed and played in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization for the 2006 season.
In 2007, Knight signed with the Somerset Patriots of the Atlantic League. Brett Jodie, the former Yankee pitcher, now the Patriots pitching coach noticed that Knight's release point was too high. After Knight modified his release point, his command and velocity improved. The Mets decided to purchase his contract and signed him to their Triple-A team (New Orleans Zephyrs) in New Orleans, Louisiana.
While pitching for the New Orleans Zephyrs, Knight was selected to play for the U.S. Olympic team at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. Knight pitched in two baseball games at the Olympics, earning one win. He earned a bronze medal as part of the U.S. team.
Knight made his first career major league start in Shea Stadium for the New York Mets on July 26, 2008, against the St. Louis Cardinals. He allowed four runs in the first inning, but settled down, and held the Cardinals scoreless through the next four innings. Though he left the game with the Mets leading 5-4, the bullpen was unable to hold the lead and Knight was denied his first major league win. He was designated for assignment the following day, so that he could remain on the Olympic Roster. He was recalled to the Mets when rosters expanded in September. On July 24, 2009, the New York Mets released Knight so that he could sign with the Samsung Lions in South Korea. On August 4, 2010, he was released from Samsung Lions due to an injury.
Since 2011, Brandon has been playing with the Nexen Heroes Baseball Club of Seoul, South Korea. He is set to continue playing for them for the 2014 season. His current record in Korea is 47 wins and 36 losses with an ERA of 3.77.
Personal
Brandon Michael Knight was born in Oxnard, California. He was raised in Ventura, California and continues to reside there with his wife Brooke and four children.