Fred Knox will always be remembered as one of the greatest pitchers in the history of Suffolk University. He was a master on the mound, a crafty and intelligent figure who would challenge opposing hitters with a combination of power, speed, and control.

The man with the golden right arm incorporated a “high kick” into his delivery, reminiscent of former  major league baseball Hall of Fame and San Francisco Giants pitcher Juan Marichal. This intimidating  motion, where the glove and ball is hidden to the last possible second, left batters up and down the lineup on their heels.

In 1960, Knox, working as a relief pitcher, secured Suffolk’s stunning 8–7 victory over Division I Boston College, shortly before the Eagles played in the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. It was a signature win for the Rams and Knox played a key role, getting the final BC player to fly out with two men on in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Knox was someone who head baseball coach George Doucet, a member of the inaugural Suffolk Athletic Hall of Fame class, could count on to start a game or enter from the bullpen on short notice. His best  pitch was a slider, taught to him by Doucet. It was a new pitch at the time, and drove hitters to swing aimlessly.

Suffolk enjoyed success with Knox on the hill, posting winning seasons in each of his four years with the Rams. A fierce competitor, Knox led by example. He was a good leader as captain of the team in his senior year, helping Suffolk to a 13–3 record—the winning pitcher in most of those victories.

Nicknamed “Iron Man” for his back-toback pitching performances, Knox won 116 games in his semi-pro career playing for the Hosmer Chiefs of the Intercity League in Greater Boston. He once pitched four games in five days during a playoff series.

Now retired, Knox spent 36 years as a social studies teacher at Medford High School. He also was head coach of the varsity baseball team at the school for a number of years.

Watch Fred Knox's Induction Video Here