Knowles signed with the Baltimore Orioles in 1961 after attending the University of Missouri. He spent four seasons in their farm system, going 45–28 with a 2.83 earned run average, mostly as a starter. Knowles made his debut with the Orioles in 1965, pitching 1.2 innings out of the bullpen, and giving up five earned runs before returning to the triple A Rochester Red Wings. Upon completion of the International League season, Knowles received a September call back up to Baltimore. He went 0–1 with a 6.92 ERA in his return. The loss came against the Detroit Tigers in his only start.\n', '

After the season, Knowles and Jackie Brandt were traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for Jack Baldschun. He won the season opener against the St. Louis Cardinals, pitching six innings of one-run ball to earn his first career win. His first career save came on May 12 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. For the 1966 season, Knowles earned thirteen saves. His 69 appearances, all in relief, were the third highest total of any pitcher in the league. At the end of his only season in Philadelphia, he was traded to the Washington Senators for Don Lock.\n', '

Knowles began earning a reputation as a work-horse reliever, as he was used 61 times by manager Gil Hodges in 1967. He was used 32 times in 1968 when his season was cut short by President Lyndon B. Johnson\'s reserve call-up of the USAF\'s 113th Tactical Fighter Wing in which he was an airman first class. He returned to the Senators in May 1969, and went 4–1 with four saves and a 2.01 ERA to earn his only career All-Star nod.\n', '

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