Career Stats and Highlights

1952 MEMPHIS RED SOX
1956 KANSAS CITY MONARCHS
1957 KANSAS CITY MONARCHS
1958 NEW YORK YANKEES (MINOR LEAGUE)
KANSAS CITY MONARCHS
1959 KANSAS CITY MONARCHS
1960 KANSAS CITY MONARCHS
SASKATOON COMMODORES
1963 SATCHEL PAIGE ALL-STARS
1964-1969 CANADIAN LEAGUES

The News Palladium of Benton Harbor Michigan Thursday July 14th, 1960 records that McKnight Slugged 29 round trippers and captured the batting crown with a .407 average in 1959. Ira, the team’s top catcher would also handle infield rotation when called upon.

McKnight helped to pace the Negro American League West in 1957 at the Heralded East-West game when he rapped out two singles driving in one run.

Ira caught a pair of no-hitters for the Kansas City Monarchs. One of these no hitters was a combined effort from hurlers Satchel Paige, Calvin Grant, and Aaron Jones each throwing three innings.

Kansas City Monarchs 1956-1963

Long time K.C. Monarch catcher Ira McKnight

Ira was a strong armed backstop in the Negro League. Ira got his start with the Memphis Red Sox as a rookie in 1952. He later spent his entire career playing for the Kansas City Monarchs while taking a brief stint with the Saskatoon Commodores durring the 1960 season. Mcknight had a tryout with the New York Yankees but an already powerful roster durring that era coupled with the unjust acceptance of black athletes in pro sports at the time left the slugging catcher no choice but to return to the K.C. Monarchs.

He once collected 8 straight hits in two games while with the Kansas City Club.

Was managed by famed Negro Leaguer Sherwood Brewer and speaks most about the greatness that surrounded him, however much to his humble dimeaner he was in fact one of the most steady slugging catchers of the late Negro League era!

5From our permanent collection: 1956 K.C. Monarchs Ira McKnight #5 replica Jersey autographed by Ira McKnight

p.s. Thanks to my wife Brianne for her handywork in helping to construct this replica!

Jami and Jody Marsh With Negro League Legend

Ira McKnight!