Former major-leaguer Chuck Knoblauch surrendered to authorities and faces domestic assault charges relating to an incident where he allegedly struck and choked his common-law wife. It is believed that Knoblauch was drinking heavily and taking Xanax at the time of the alleged assault.

The incident, which was witnessed by a family friend, occurred when Knoblauch and his soon-to-be ex-wife were in argument and she reportedly took Knoblauch’s keys and would not let him leave their Houston-area home. She is expected to make a full recovery.

As many of you may recall, Chuck Knoblauch played second base in the major leagues for 12 years, including on the 1991 World Series champion Minnesota Twins, a season in which he earned American League Rookie of the Year honors. His career took a collossal turn for the worse after being traded to the New York Yankees. He developed the yips, not able to even make the routine throw to first base.

His attorney believes that charges shouldn’t even have been filed relating to this incident. If I were Knoblauch’s counsel, I would say he was trying to hit and choke someone else – maybe Keith Olbermann’s mom – you know, if she wasn’t dead already.

One last thing: is it just me, or does it look like the Knoblauch family, photographed above leaving his deposition before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in Washington on February 1, 2008, look like they are dressed up for Halloween as the Torrance family from Kubrick’s The Shining? They look creepy, man.

Ex-Yank Knoblauch accused of hitting wife [New York Post]
Chuck’s Angels [New York Magazine]