Chuck Knoblauch charged with assault. Reports say that he threw something too, but missed badly........

Former second baseman Chuck Knoblauch surrendered to authorities in Harris County, Tex., Tuesday after he was charged with assaulting his common-law wife. Knoblauch was charged with assault of a family member. Reports also say that he threw something at her, but missed badly........DOH!

Here’s an interesting fact. A change in Texas law that took effect Sept.1 makes it a felony to choke a family member. So had he choked her last month that would have been ok.... Go figure.

The former All-Star faces up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. An emergency protective order barring Knoblauch from contacting his wife was also issued.

Apparently Knoblauch and his wife had been arguing when she tried to take away his car keys when the altercation ensued.

According to reports, Knoblauch took the anti-anxiety medication Xanax and had been drinking heavily Friday night when he hit and choked Stacey Stelmach, according to prosecutors. Knoblauch, who is now 41, was being held in the Harris County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Knoblauch was named in the Mitchell Report as a player who used performance-enhancing drugs. Knoblauch told the investigators that he had obtained human growth hormone from former Yankee strength and conditioning coach Brian McNamee. McNamee told former Sen. George Mitchell and his investigators that he had also provided performance-enhancing drugs to Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte and other players. Clemens is currently under federal investigation for perjury.

Knoblauch won the 1991 AL Rookie of the Year and was former Gold Glove infielder with the Twins (that apparently has nothing to do with throwing), with whom he played seven seasons.

Knoblauch's four year Yankee career was highlighted by his three championship rings and his well documented trowing problems that surfaced in 1999. His off-target throws to first base during the 1999 and 2000 seasons got so bad that then manager Joe Torre eventually used him in the outfield and as a designated hitter for the 2001 season.

Knoblauch finished his baseball career with the Kansas City Royals seven years ago. He retired after the 2002 season and returned to his native Houston.

Knoblauch and Stelmach have a 5-year-old son, Jake, who accompanied him when he was deposed by congressional investigators before the Feb. 13, 2008 hearing on the Mitchell Report. – Josh Bolan

Josh Bolan is a retired AP baseball reporter and now works as a freelance writer in Fresno California. Josh has been contributing to baseball publications as a writer since 1996.

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