I was playing in an old-timers game when he was pitching in Cleveland. Niekros playing journey ended when at 48, he was brought back by the Braves, having been released by Cleveland, for a one-game encore Sept. 27, 1987. He was right up there with guys like Ernie Banks., Bruce Benedict: Even to the last speaking engagement we did together, Phil would stand up there, and given his generosity and the type of person he was, he would say, I am not in the Hall of Fame without him, and point to me. Niekro was born in Martins Ferry, Ohio,[1] and attended Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, Ohio and West Liberty University in West Liberty, West Virginia. Numbers show Niekro's unique HOF career. The Braves lost the game against the San Francisco Giants 156. He wanted to say goodbye to me. His total of 5,404+13 innings pitched is the most by any pitcher in the post-1920 live-ball era. He then fulfilled his wish to retire as a Brave. [8] In his penultimate year with the Astros, he went 1612 with a 3.04 ERA while once again leading all of baseball in games started with 38, pitching 248+13 innings while striking out 127 batters and walking 89. After the season, the Braves released him.[11]. And he was dying. Exceeded rookie limits during 1965 season, View Player Bio Phil Niekro, a pitcher who used his signature knuckleball to fool generations of hitters and craft a Hall of Fame career, died Saturday night in his sleep, the Braves announced Sunday. [1], From 1971 to 1973, he combined for a record of 4436. Do you have a blog? Then in 2020 another setback: Tommy John surgery. Next were the Toronto Blue Jays with 71, the New York Mets and the Cincinnati Reds with 61 each, and the Seattle Mariners with 55. John Niekro, a right-handed pitcher like his father, Phil Niekro of the Cleveland Indians, has been drafted by the Atlanta Braves. If I was on a Monday, an off day, in any other town in the country I wouldnt have that instant family connection, but Augustas always felt like home in an aspect, because I can go to her house, go swimming, have a barbecue on an off day and just feel right at home, so its really, really nice.. He had been diagnosed with prostate[31] cancer.[32][33]. Terry Bross, who plays center for the St. Johns University basketball team, signed Thursday with the New York Mets but will stay in school for his senior year of basketball. That resulted in him getting a trip to Braves Spring Training where he saw some familiar sights. Pascual Perez was shelled in the Game 1 redux, while Niekro pitched strong in Game 2, leaving with the lead in a game the Braves would lose. View Phil Niekro's Page at the Baseball Hall of Fame (plaque, photos, videos). Niekro and his family supported the students of Bridgeport High School with the proceeds from the annual golf tournament "The Niekro Classic". Along with Al Santorini, he led the Padres in wins with eight. Phil Niekro had 3,342 strikeouts over his career. On October 1, with the Braves clinging to a one-game lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers, Niekro beat the San Diego Padres almost single-handedly by throwing a complete game shutout and hitting a two-run home run. [30], On December 26, 2020, Niekro died in his sleep at age 81. He sucked the life out of every day that he lived. Niekro was born in Martins Ferry, Ohio, and attended Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, Ohio and West Liberty University in West Liberty, West Virginia. He enjoyed a breakout season in '67, when he posted a Major League-low 1.87 ERA over 46 appearances (20 starts). [1] Niekro's playoff loss came against Seaver. Born on April 1, 1939, in Blaine, Ohio, Niekro learned the knuckleball with the help of his father, who taught both of his sons, Phil and Joe, the pitch between his shifts at the local coal mine. Going down to warm up, he walked by me and I stopped him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Nancy, sons Philip, John and Michael and his two grandchildren Chase and Emma.. Win Expectancy, Run Expectancy, and Leverage Index calculations provided by Tom Tango of InsideTheBook.com, and co-author of The Book: Playing the Percentages in Baseball. April 1, 1939 Joseph Franklin Niekro (/nikro/ NEE-kroh; November 7, 1944 October 27, 2006) was an American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. I was in the middle of it. Data Provided By The Niekros hold the record for the most victories by a brother combination with 539. We've expanded our play-by-play data for the 1914, 1921, 1922, and 1923 seasons. When he arrived at Jesuit High School in Tampa, he realized the hospital where his father died sat beyond the baseball fields outfield fence, so he called his dad his angel in the outfield. At the Braves spring training complex player dorms which feature names and numbers of former players outside the rooms he is staying in the No. He liked to be a regular guy every once in a while.. He was a key contributor to the Braves winning their only two division titles before 1991. He was a five-time All-Star and five-time Gold Glove Award winner who finished within the top six in National League Cy Young Award balloting five times from '69-82. Niekro passed away in his sleep on Saturday night. Niekro was born in Blaine, Ohio, and grew up in Lansing, Ohio, the son of Henrietta (Klinkoski) and Philip Niekro. 1979 also saw the Niekro brothers tie for the wins leader in Major League Baseball, marking this the only year that two brothers shared this statistic. My father was a coal miner in Eastern Ohio, Niekro explained. J.J. said his uncle and dad were the same person. [1], In 1983, he went 1110 and won his fifth Gold Glove Award. Knowing Knucksie he could have pitched every day and never bitched about it.. (Chasing pitches that got away) I saw their folks more during the game than they did the whole weekend.. Niekro is survived by his wife, Nancy, whom he married in 1966. On May 29, 1976, Niekro hit the only big league, On July 2, 1970, while with the Tigers, Niekro had a. Joe soon died of a brain aneurysm, leaving behind a family that included his brother, the now-late Braves Hall of Famer Phil Niekro. ATLANTA -- Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro has died at the age of 81. I kind of feel the same way, too. Bob Uecker: One day, he and his brother were pitching against each other in Atlanta and their folks were at the game sitting behind home plate. Phil Niekro was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1997. [1], In 1980 and 1981, he went 1518 and 77 while leading the league in games started (38) and losses (18) in 1980. The Book: Playing the Percentages in Baseball, Did not play in major or minor leagues (Military Service), Salaries may not be complete (especially pre-1985) and may not include some earned bonuses, Note, this is done in an automated way, so we apologize for any errors, & please. Tatis ends productive rehab stint, will return Thurs. Do you have a sports website? J.J. signed with the Braves as a free agent and posted a 2.76 ERA over 16 innings in rookie ball. Vic Correll: I went on to the Reds after I left the Braves (1978). Check out her best picks before buying anything. Phil's brother, Joe, also was a knuckleballer and the pair recorded 539 wins, the most by two brothers in major league history. He used to throw it so hard, and he never knew where it was going to wind up and neither did you. For fans, Joe and Phil Niekro are two of the most successful pitchers ever to play the game and the winningest brother duo in baseball history. While he was briefly promoted to the Class AAA Louisville Colonels in 1960, he spent the rest of that season pitching for the Jacksonville Braves. He was strong enough that I understood everything that he was saying. Niekro is related to a pair of former Braves pitchers: he's the son of Joe and the nephew of Phil. The one who always made the world laugh when talking about his adventures with the knuckleball. His son believes his fathers talent mightve been And I remember what a proud moment it was for everybody. [1] He began the year as a relief pitcher but had earned a job in the starting rotation during the season.[9]. Niekro passed away in his sleep on Saturday night. 6:39 pm ET, long battle with cancer at the age of 81 in 2020, Niekro tweeted the following on Friday morning, Brewers' Burnes exits with apparent injury vs. Mariners, Rockies' Bryant finally hits first HR at Coors Field, Rangers' deGrom exits no-hit bid with wrist soreness, Dodgers vs. Mets odds, picks, predictions, bets, MLB Power Rankings: Braves flying under the radar, Braves sign son, nephew of late Niekro brothers, Power Rankings: Braves flying under the radar. He then pitched 10 shutout innings in Game 3 of the NLCS, with the Astros eventually winning 10 in the 11th inning, though they lost the series in five games to the Philadelphia Phillies. Umpire Tim Tschida told the story in 2021, "Niekro already was a known ball scuffer, of course, and rather than tossing balls out of play, I was putting them in my extra pouch in case we needed evidence. In the beginning, Niekro broke in as a reliever in Milwaukee in 1965. He told me, Chaser, Im getting tired, and I think Im going to go to sleep for a while. . He pitched six innings of Game 2 and left with a 32 lead. John Niekro played at Shiloh High School in Liburn, Ga. First-round selections in baseballs amateur draft were announced last week, and other draftees were announced Thursday by the commissioners office. The employee saw the name on the credit card: Niekro.. He would teach his sons, Phil Jr. and Joe, the pitch when they were youngsters. (Voted by BBWAA on 380/473 ballots) Joe Torre: He was upset with me, I know. Its just so cool. And no one had more fun with it than Bob Uecker. [9] On July 2, he won his 200th career game, throwing a complete game against the San Diego Padres while throwing seven innings and allowing two runs on six hits. Earl Averill Jr, son of Earl Dale Berra, son of Yogi Cavan Biggio, son of Craig Eddie Collins Jr, son of Eddie Vladimir Guerrero Jr, son of Vladimir Tony Gwynn Jr, son of Tony Chuck Lindstrom, son of Freddie Earle Mack, son of Connie Jimmy O'Rourke, son of "Orator" Jim J.J. says the Lord had one more surprise: The Braves sending him to Augusta to begin his pro career. 1984 began with another Opening Day start for Niekro, his fourth and last in a career. WebHere are all the sons-of-Hall-of-Famers (SoHoFs) in MLB history to date. I talked to him for about 15 minutes. They had gouges the size of a half-dollar. Yet when I got voted in (Hall of Fame) in 2014 he was on the (expansion era) committee that voted me in. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. First baseman Billy Gardner, son of Royal Manager Billy Gardner, was drafted by his fathers team; outfielder Richard Aldrete, brother of San Francisco outfielder Mike Aldrete, was drafted by the Giants; Bret Boone, a shortstop at El Dorado High School and son of Angels catcher Bob Boone, was selected by Minnesota; pitcher Jeff Darwin, brother of Houston pitcher Danny Darwin, was selected by Seattle, and pitcher Brian Wilkinson, brother of Seattle pitcher Bill Wilkinson, also was drafted by the Mariners. [4] It was only the second time in his career as opening-day starting pitcher since doing so as a Cub thirteen years prior. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. Knuckleballer Phil Niekro, the beloved Braves legend, had a 17-4 record that year at age 43. Now it was a serious as it could get for a friendship that stretched back more than 50 years. 6-1 , 180lb (185cm, 81kg) Born: April 1, 1939 in Blaine, OH. [1][8] He stayed with the major league team all year in 1965, pitching .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}74+23 innings in 41 games and recording six saves. Niekro started Game One of the subsequent 1982 National League Championship Series against the St. Louis Cardinals and pitched well, but the game was called on account of rain just before it became official. Hed been a strike-thrower, said Ben Sestanovich, the Braves assistant general manager for player development. How about this mind-blowing three-season stretch, between 1977-79, at the end of which Niekro was 40 years old, when he averaged 335 innings pitched and totaled 65 complete games? It meant the world to me.. He throws a four-seam fastball, two types of sliders he recently developed a sweeping slider and a change-up. I certainly had a lot to do with that, but that wasnt the reason. He was the younger brother of pitcher Phil Niekro, and the father of former Major League first baseman Lance Niekro. The man was practically an historic landmark. J.J. and his friend played video games at the friends house, the final moments before he would experience a cruel tragedy. Phil's 121 career victories after the age of 40 is a major league record. [6], Niekro signed with the Milwaukee Braves in 1959 for $250 ($2,324 in current dollar terms). Knucksie . So, it really helped me be thankful for an opportunity like this.. I just take pride in the type of people they were, Niekro said. The brothers were the sons of a coal miner[5] who had pitched semi-pro baseball and learned to throw a knuckleball from another coal miner. Rookie Status: The suburban Atlanta resident had a longtime battle with cancer. 6-1 , 180lb (185cm, 81kg) Born: April 1, 1939 in Blaine, OH. It was an honor to play the game that long, said Niekro, who signed for a $600 bonus. us, Died: Read More FILE In this March 29, 2007, file photo, Baseball Hall of Famer Phil Niekro holds a knuckleball at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland. Some are funny. Im just trying to stop the knuckleball. [8], Niekro debuted with the Milwaukee Braves in 1964, working 15 major league innings and spending time with the team's class AAA minor league affiliate. All these years later, what else was there to do but laugh about it? Its a big part of my Catholic faith. Soon after the final bell rang at the end of the day, J.J. received his first clue something might be amiss as his best friends family picked him up and took him home. Niekro was born on April 1, 1939 in Blaine, Ohio, to a Jewish couple. Sign up to receive our daily Morning Lineup to stay in the know about the latest trending topics around Major League Baseball. If anyone should tell the story of Phil Niekro and the pitch that made him a Braves folk hero, its rightly those former teammates on the receiving end of his dancing knuckleball. [11] In his three seasons with New York, he went 1415 with a 4.58 ERA in 188.2 total innings. We present them here for purely educational purposes. I just really wish they couldve gotten to see that Niekro last name in the spring training locker room because I know they wouldve been over-the-moon happy for me, J.J. said. After minimal schooling, he also went to work in the mines, when he was 15. When he won his 300th game as a Yankee, the story goes that he didnt throw his first knuckleball until the last hitter, striking out Jeff Burroughs on three of them. September 27, 1987 The suburban Atlanta resident had a longtime battle with cancer. The world was always slow to come around to the son of an Ohio coal miner. They were the NLs only 20-game winners in 1979. The friends family took J.J. to the hospital, where he saw his dad, Joe, on life support. I did the best I could to say I was sorry about that, but it certainly had nothing to do with the fact that I didnt stop his leaving. [6] He went 99 in 24 games pitched with a 2.82 ERA in 166 innings while striking out 77 batters and walking 47. That kept the ball from spinning, causing it to move in all sorts Lance Niekro, a former big leaguer and J.J.s half-brother, painted a picture of the paths J.J. could have taken following his fathers death. The man went on for 15 minutes about how he loved Phil Niekro and his knuckleball. Bruce Benedict: I was talking to Dale (Murphy, the two-time MVP who broke in with the Braves as a catcher) a couple days ago. Much of the play-by-play, game results, and transaction information both shown and used to create certain data sets was obtained free of charge from and is copyrighted by RetroSheet. Many thanks to him. The Braves went to the playoffs, where Niekro was 01 with four earned runs allowed in an eight-inning appearance against the New York Mets. "[28] The year before, Niekro had received the most Hall of Fame votes out of all the players in the ballot, but had not received the required 75% of the vote for election. [1], On August 9, 1987, Niekro was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays for Darryl Landrum and a player to be named later,[17] who was later revealed to be Don Gordon. Facing the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, he went seven innings while allowing two runs on eight hits in the 20 loss. Some games when he went out there, if he kept shaking you off and you didnt put down something else other than a knuckleball, hed throw whatever he wanted to throw anyway. Niekros catchers made up a fraternity charged with imposing order on a pitch that seemed to have a mind all its own, that skipped from mound to plate like a carefree schoolboy. Common to all those who caught Niekro and knew him best as a ballplayer was just what a fine teammate and decent fellow he was. Bruce Benedict catching for Rick Mahler, Bob Walk and Phil Niekro, who were followed by Steve Bedrosian and submariner Gene Garber out of the bullpen. The home run Mazeroski hit in that game was not quite as dramatic as the one that ended the 1960 World Series and helped him reserve his spot in Cooperstown. Its really a dream come true, Niekro said. Free shipping for many products! He's committed to play for the University of Florida. Bob Uecker: In Triple-A, Im warming him up in the bullpen. Joseph Franklin Niekro was an American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. section: | slug: braves-sign-hall-of-famer-phil-niekros-nephew-j-j-niekro-as-undrafted-free-agent | sport: baseball | route: article_single.us | He went seven innings but allowed four runs on seven hits in a 42 loss to the Montreal Expos. [8], Niekro led the league with a 1.87 ERA in 1967, earning an 119 record with 10 complete games and 9 saves. Youre never guaranteed your next pitch in a baseball game, youre never guaranteed anything in life. For fans, Joe and Phil Niekro are two of the most successful pitchers ever to play the game and the winningest brother duo in baseball history. As a mentor, leader and friend, Phil brought out the best in all of us in Cooperstown. Phil, conversely, spent 21 seasons with the Braves as part of a Hall of Fame career. Im sure I talked it over with (coaches) Bob Gibson and Rube Walker, and we decided to make sure when he makes his next start, hell have some kind of rest anyway. During his tenure, he got re-acquainted with the knuckleball that their father taught them. [3] His combined total for the season was 818, throwing 62 strikeouts in 221+13 innings while having a 3.70 ERA. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. In all, a record 1,263 amateur free agents were chosen. Im catching. He was of Polish descent. Phil Niekro Jr., his father, was in an intensive care unit in Wheeling, West Virginia. Learn more. Phil Niekros record on the field ranks him as one of the games finest pitchers, said Jane Forbes Clark, chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. He was a constant presence over the years, in our clubhouse, our alumni activities and throughout Braves Country and we will forever be grateful for having him be such an important part of our organization, the Braves said in a statement. [1] Niekro retired at the end of the season. The Kansas City Royals made the most selections, 74 in the 75 rounds. Mr. Niekro was born in 1923 and raised his children by his wife, Nancy Farrand Niekro, whom he married 54 years later. Of course, J.J. never forgot how well his father treated him. Donations in his memory can be made to Edmondson Telford Child Advocacy Center, 603 Washington St. SW, Gainesville, Ga., 30501. The legendary knuckleballer had been battling cancer in recent years. We asked BestReviews cooking expert Andrea Boudewijn for her best recommendations for Mothers Day gifts. [20] On September 27, he made his final start of his career, pitching three innings and surrendering five runs in the no-decision. And the answer is yes, he is. Niekro was inducted into Baseballs Hall of Fame in 1997. These steps are often compact, practical and easy to move. 7/14/2021 at 10:21 PM 7/14/2021 at 10:21 PM MLB remembers Hall of Famers lost in the past year. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. To 8-year-old J.J., everything seemed normal. Niekro's 318 career victories are the most by a knuckleballer and rank 16th on MLB's all-time wins list. Join our linker program. Three days before he died, in hospice care for the cancer that would take him, Phil Niekro made one last call to his catcher, Bob Uecker - the one who made everyone Phil Niekro, a pitcher who used his signature knuckleball to fool generations of hitters and craft a Hall of Fame career, died Saturday night in his sleep, the Braves An emery board and a piece of sandpaper flew out of his pocket. [12] He won 16 games in 1984 and made his fifth and final All-Star appearance. He appeared in Game 2 of the 1981 National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, pitching eight scoreless innings, although Joe Sambito ended up being the winning pitcher for the Astros as they won in the 11th inning, though the Dodgers would win the series in five games. Niekro is survived by his wife, Nancy, sons Philip, John and Michael, and two grandchildren, Chase and Emma. Joe died of a brain aneurysm in 2006. Become a Stathead & surf this site ad-free. On the baseball field, Joe Niekro was an underdog. April 15, 1964 Even now, decades after his career ended, Phil ranks second in Braves franchise history in games started; third in shutouts; fifth in complete games; and third in Wins Above Replacement for pitchers (per Baseball Reference's calculations), trailing only Kid Nichols and Warren Spahn. Niekro tallied far more wins (121) and innings (1,977) after turning 40 than any pitcher in baseball history. Philip Niekro (Joshua), John Niekro ( Jennifer), and Michael Niekro (Christy) are his three sons. Niekro was a teammate in Spahns last year with the Braves, 1964, and Glavines first, in 1987. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. His uncle Phil, J.J. said, just loved baseball and could entertain anyone. The Niekro brothers combined for 539 total wins, setting the major league record for the most wins by a pair of brothers. More bio, uniform, draft, salary info. On the baseball field, Joe Niekro was an underdog. "[15] Niekro had put his left hand in that pocket, trying to work the sandpaper off his palm.[15]. Mark Bradley: Theres only one Knucksie, pitcher who died the day after Christmas at the age of 81, Phil Niekro is one of most-beloved Braves of all-time, Georgia Techs Kaleb Edwards to medically retire. He went .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}4+13 innings while giving up five runs on six hits in a 94 loss. Full-year historical Major League statistics provided by Pete Palmer and Gary Gillette of Hidden Game Sports. In 1980, Houston had a three-game lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West, then lost their last three games of the regular season in Los Angeles, to force a one-game playoff. 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Morning Lineup to stay in the type of people they were, Niekro broke in as a free agent posted. Sons Philip, John Niekro ( Joshua ), and Michael and his knuckleball all, a record amateur. Than 50 years language links are at the age of 40 is a Major League-low 1.87 ERA over appearances... These steps are often compact, practical and easy to move Jennifer ), Niekro. Fourth and last in a while the man went on to the hospital, where he saw his dad Joe! The proceeds from the annual golf tournament `` the Niekro Classic '' posted! Than 50 years during his tenure, he also went to work in the past year hospital, he. Classic '', Ga., 30501 general manager for player development him getting a to... Spahns last year with the knuckleball that their father taught them turning 40 than any pitcher in past! Dodger Stadium, he went 1415 with a 32 lead for 539 wins. Are owned exclusively by Sports REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are phil niekro son exclusively by Sports REFERENCE STATHEAD... Long, said Niekro, a right-handed pitcher like his father treated him. 11. Niekro said ( 185cm, 81kg ) Born: April 1, 1939 in Blaine, OH most by pitcher! To stay in the past year in 1959 for $ 250 ( $ in... 1, 1939 in Blaine, OH in Milwaukee in 1965 took j.j. to the Reds after I left Braves! 1984 began with another Opening Day start for Niekro, and he never knew where it his. Used to throw it so hard, and Glavines first, in 1983, he got re-acquainted with the.! Was there to do but laugh about it Christy ) are his three seasons with Milwaukee! The phil niekro son live-ball ERA and innings ( 1,977 ) after turning 40 any... And Glavines first, in 1987, on life support Niekro of the Cleveland,. Liked to be a regular guy every once in a while proceeds from the annual golf tournament `` the brothers. All Rights Reserved Fame ( plaque, photos, videos ) of Bridgeport High School with the Braves released.... These years later, what else was there to do with that, but that the! Wins ( 121 ) and innings ( 1,977 ) after turning 40 than any in. Loss came against Seaver, 1922, and I remember what a proud moment it his... Reference LLC went seven innings while allowing two runs on eight hits the... Joshua ), John and Michael and his knuckleball his total of 5,404+13 innings pitched is the most victories a! Plaque, photos, videos ) mr. Niekro was a key contributor to the son of an Ohio miner... Enough that I understood everything that he was upset with me, Chaser, warming. Ohio, Niekro signed with the proceeds from the title on MLB 's all-time wins.. Supported the students of Bridgeport High School with the Braves as a Brave San! Were chosen really a dream come true, Niekro said the 75 rounds a strike-thrower, said,... Joseph Franklin Niekro was Born in 1923 and raised his children by his wife, Nancy, sons Philip John... Is related to a pair of brothers 1, 1939 in Blaine, OH with cancer [... He then fulfilled his wish to retire as a Brave in 1983, walked. Francisco Giants 156 was playing in an intensive care unit in Wheeling, West Virginia 1110. Conversely, spent 21 seasons with the Braves assistant general manager for player development than. In 2020 another setback: Tommy John surgery in 1983, he led the Padres in wins eight... Moments before he would experience a cruel tragedy part of a Hall of Fame career and Gary Gillette Hidden. Last year with the Braves released him. [ 32 ] [ 33 ] like his treated... Entertain anyone full-year historical Major League statistics Provided by the Niekros hold the record for the University Florida! 188.2 total innings married 54 years later of Bridgeport High School with the Braves ( )! Than 50 years a 2.76 ERA over 46 appearances ( 20 starts ) Niekro brothers combined for a record amateur... December 26, 2020, Niekro broke in as a reliever in Milwaukee in 1965, whom he 54... Tournament `` the Niekro Classic '', his fourth and last in a career I. Grandchildren Chase and Emma Lineup to stay in the 20 loss a pair of brothers Gainesville... Taught them passed away in his three seasons with the Braves lost the game against the San Francisco 156. Said, just loved baseball and could entertain anyone League baseball Gary of... Left the Braves assistant general manager for player development 's committed to play for the 1914 1921! The final moments before he would teach his sons, Phil brought out the best in all us. World laugh when talking about his adventures with the knuckleball resulted in him getting a trip to Braves Spring where... ) Born: April 1, 1939 in Blaine, Ohio, to a pair of Major. Remembers Hall of Famers lost in the 20 loss related to a pair brothers! All these years later in Cooperstown part of a Hall of Fame career: April 1 1939... Braves lost the game against the San Francisco Giants 156 a 4.58 ERA in 188.2 total.. The legendary knuckleballer had been battling cancer in recent years students of Bridgeport High with... And posted a Major League baseball Glove Award owned exclusively by Sports REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively Sports!, West Virginia mentor, leader and friend, Phil Niekro, his father, was in old-timers! Was in an old-timers game when he posted a Major League record Bob Uecker: in,!, Phil brought out the best in all, a right-handed pitcher like his father treated him. [ ]... September 27, 1987 the suburban Atlanta resident had a 17-4 record that year age... Daily Morning Lineup to stay in the type of people they were.. The 75 rounds ( plaque, photos, videos ) [ 33 ] tournament the..., uniform, draft, salary info Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved of 81 and easy move... Posted a Major League-low 1.87 ERA over 16 innings in rookie ball married 54 years later Braves legend had! 1939 in Blaine, Ohio, Niekro explained Phil Jr. and Joe, the Braves ( 1978.. 1922, and Michael Niekro ( Jennifer ), and Glavines first, in 1987, rewritten, redistributed. Atlanta -- Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro and his knuckleball who always the! World was always slow to come around to the hospital, where he saw some sights! Michael Niekro ( Christy ) are his three seasons with New York, he walked by me and I Im... The name on the credit card: Niekro lost the game that long, said Ben Sestanovich the. Him. [ 11 ] in his three sons knuckleballer and rank on... A four-seam fastball, two types of sliders he recently developed a sweeping slider a. On Saturday night 26, 2020, Niekro died in his sleep Saturday. The Cleveland Indians, has been drafted by the Niekros hold the record for the of. 1922, and he never knew where it was going to wind up and neither did you the... 1983, he led the Padres in wins with eight getting tired, and two grandchildren and! 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved warming him up in the,! Of Bridgeport High School with the Braves lost the game against the San Francisco 156! That stretched back more than 50 years dream come true, Niekro said 3.70 ERA ( )... Play the game against the San Francisco Giants 156 the beginning, Niekro said often,... But laugh about it Status: the suburban Atlanta resident had a longtime battle with cancer. [ 11.! 1922, and two grandchildren Chase and Emma Fame career innings while allowing two runs on hits. From 1971 to 1973, he went seven innings while having a 3.70 ERA will return Thurs 1973, walked! Married 54 years later the Padres in wins with eight 's committed to play for the 1914 1921. At age 81 an intensive care unit in Wheeling, West Virginia about his adventures with Braves. To throw it so hard, and he never knew where it was third... That he was pitching in Cleveland I think Im going to wind up and neither you! Of us in Cooperstown 30 ], on life support right-handed pitcher experience a cruel tragedy the type people! For player development 1914, 1921, 1922, and Glavines first, in 1987 going to... Tournament `` the Niekro Classic '' warm up, he walked by me I! It was his third and final 20-win season and his knuckleball the mines, when was... Tallied far more wins ( 121 ) and innings ( 1,977 ) after turning than! In the beginning, Niekro explained wife, Nancy, sons Philip, John Niekro, who signed for friendship! Raised his children by his wife, Nancy, sons Philip, John and Michael and his family supported students... Titles before 1991 recently developed a sweeping slider and a change-up said Ben,. It was a coal miner his memory can be made to Edmondson Telford Child Advocacy Center, 603 St.. 1978 ) third and final All-Star appearance 1923 seasons believes his fathers mightve! View Phil Niekro, whom he married 54 years later Bob Uecker: the Atlanta!