Knuckleball pitcher Phil Niekro has died. He was 81. Niekro was born in Blaine, Ohio, and grew up in Lansing, Ohio, the son of Henrietta and Philip Niekro.
“Knucksie” began his baseball career with the Milwaukee Braves in 1964 and followed the team to Atlanta. He played with the Braves until 1984, when he began a two year stint with the New York Yankees. After the Yankees released him before the start of the 1986 season, Niekro signed with the Cleveland Indians. Phil was traded to the Toronto Blue Jay’s after the all star break of the 1987 season. His stint in Toronto was a short one, after going 0 and 2 in 3 starts, the Jay’s released him. In September of that year, Niekro signed with the Atlanta Braves where he made the last start of his career.
Phil Niekro retired at the end of the 1987 season after amassing a 319-274 record, a 3.35 ERA and 3,342 strikeouts. His 319 wins are the most ever for a knuckleball pitcher. He holds the dubious record of being the last pitcher to have a 20-20 season, 20 wins and 20 losses.
He was a 5 time All-Star, 5 time Gold Glove Awardee, won the Roberto Clemente Award in 1980, a two time NL wins leader, the 1967 MLB ERA leader, the 1977 NL strikeout leader, Pitched a no-hitter on August 5, 1973. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame as part of the class of 1997.
Resquiscat In Pace.