What made Niekros knuckler unique was that he threw it harder than most and still maintained the lack of spin that made it so capricious. 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. During his tenure, he got re-acquainted with the knuckleball that their father taught them. [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. Many thanks to him. He finished the 1985 season with a 1612 record, the final time he won 15 or more games in a single season. 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. 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. 5x Gold Glove. He was the younger brother of pitcher Phil Niekro, and the father of former Major League first baseman Lance Niekro. Niekro was born in Martins Ferry, Ohio, and attended Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, Ohio and West Liberty University in West Liberty, West Virginia. But never forget it was the knuckleball that made him special and turned opposing hitters inside-out. The fluttering knuckler danced throughout the summers in the Atlanta heat, and by his late 30s Niekro became an absolute workhorse -- averaging 336 innings a season from '77-79 and becoming the last pitcher to post back-to-back seasons of at least 300 innings. [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. He was selected off waivers by the Atlanta Braves on August 7, 1973. Dale Murphy (who was called up in 1976 as a catcher, and caught Niekro 23 times before his move to the outfield): It was 76. My father was a coal miner in Eastern Ohio, Niekro explained. Niekro was born in Blaine, Ohio, and grew up in Lansing, Ohio, the son of Henrietta (Klinkoski) and Philip Niekro. He gave Joe a day off., Bruce Benedict: I remember opposing hitters coming up to me and saying you know what, we only face him three or four times a year, Im not going to mess my swing up trying to hit this thing. The Houston Astros purchased Niekro's contract from the Braves for $35,000 in 1975. [1], In 1983, he went 1110 and won his fifth Gold Glove Award. When you wake up and see (Phil Niekros) number 35 retired walking into the cafeteria I just know Im meant to be here, and I know God had that in store for me and Im just thankful that thats the case, Niekro said. The iconic knuckleballer collected 318 wins Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Monday, April 17, 1:15AM. WebHe was the younger brother of pitcher Phil Niekro, and the father of former Major League first baseman Lance Niekro. [9] He appeared in 37 games, finishing with a 1412 record and 15 complete games. He wanted to say goodbye to me. He remembers seeing the seniors on his Florida Southern College team cry after their final game, some of those tears flowing because a few guys knew they hadnt given their all to the game. He was later transferred to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, Florida, where he died the following day at age 61. Deadly Alabama shooting underscores grim link between guns, youths in America, High school football player among 4 killed in Alabama shooting. [29], The Gwinnett Braves' home, Coolray Field, has a restaurant, Niekro's, named after him. The knuckleball became an essential part of his arsenal though never his sole pitch. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. On the baseball field, Joe Niekro was an underdog. On May 29, 1976, Niekro hit the only big league, On July 2, 1970, while with the Tigers, Niekro had a. 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. That kept the ball from spinning, causing it to move in all sorts I got the big glove out again and was full of angst, I can tell you that. But even more than his signature pitch and trademark durability, Phil will be remembered as one of our games most genial people. (In college, when J.J.s team played the Detroit Tigers in a spring training scrimmage, Niekro got Miguel Cabrera, who likely will be a Hall of Famer one day, to ground out to short). For more from J.J. Niekro on his season and his future, click below: Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. On October 6, 1985, Niekro gained entry into the 300 win club with a shutout win over the Toronto Blue Jays. He had 152 strikeouts and 101 walks (both higher from the year before). Throughout the years, J.J. has received signs that his uncle and dad are with him. Niekro was born in Martins Ferry, Ohio, and attended Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, Ohio and West Liberty University in West Liberty, West Virginia. 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. Joseph Franklin Niekro was an American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. [16] Steve Palermo was the umpire that spotted the flying objects. 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. Joe played for the Braves, among the seven teams in his 22 major league seasons, and Lance had a brief stint in the minors with the organization. J.J. and his friend played video games at the friends house, the final moments before he would experience a cruel tragedy. Niekro won 121 games after turning 40, threw a no-hitter against the Padres on Aug. 5, 1973, and won his 300th career game on the final day of the '85 season by throwing just three knucklers -- on his final pitches. [1], In 1982, at the age of 43, Niekro led the Braves with a 174 season while winning his fourth Gold Glove Award and appearing in his fourth All-Star game. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Elliott: Anze Kopitar ignites Kings to thrilling overtime win over Oilers in Game 1, Los Alamitos stays No. Bob Uecker: In Triple-A, Im warming him up in the bullpen. Niekro passed away in his sleep on Saturday night. [3][4] He was of Polish descent. [28], Niekro was a member of the board of directors for Kiz Toys, a toy company based out of Cumming, Georgia, and Niekro advised the company on the KizSport baseball line, reviewing product designs and development. Past month; Phil Niekro played for 5 teams; the Milwaukee Braves, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians and Toronto Blue Jays. All images are property the copyright holder and are displayed here for informational purposes only. Vic Correll: I went on to the Reds after I left the Braves (1978). Along with Al Santorini, he led the Padres in wins with eight. "[15], The officiating crew came out to the mound during a game against the California Angels on August 3, 1987. Niekro said he was filing his nails in the dugout, but American League president Bobby Brown did not believe him, and ordered the 10-game suspension. Donations in his memory can be made to Edmondson Telford Child Advocacy Center, 603 Washington St. SW, Gainesville, Ga., 30501. 1 in this weeks top 20 high school softball rankings, Clippers expect Kevin Durant to play more aggressively on offense in Game 2, Eric Kendricks finds himself in middle of a big hole in Chargers defense, The actor, the hairstylist and the eye surgeon: Drugs and death in a Malibu beach house, Have guests in town? For J.J., theyre Dad and Uncle Phil. NORTH PORT, Fla. On an October morning in 2006, Joe Niekro drove his son, J.J., to St. Stephen Catholic School in Riverview, Florida. Web Philip Henry Niekro, 1939 41 - 2020 1226 . Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. I try to keep the underdog mentality, the guy on the bottom of the totem pole, J.J. said. The only draft pick the Braves haven't signed is prep outfielder Ty Evans, who happened to be their final selection in the class. It was an honor to play the game that long, said Niekro, who He went through plenty of them in 24 seasons, 1964-87, 21 of those with the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves. 6-1 , 180lb (185cm, 81kg) Born: April 1, 1939 in Blaine, OH. The team was eliminated from the playoffs after losing the next two games. He was traded to the Minnesota Twins for Mark Salas on June 7, 1987. The Atlanta Braves officially announced the signing of 19 of their 20 draft picks and two undrafted free agents on Friday. Some poignant. I was playing in an old-timers game when he was pitching in Cleveland. In all, a record 1,263 amateur free agents were chosen. Youre never guaranteed your next pitch in a baseball game, youre never guaranteed anything in life. [10] Niekro went 912 with a 3.72 ERA in 213 innings before being traded. You dont want his last game to be missing half of his pitches. His aunt lives in the Augusta area. I dont know if youll ever find someone who loved life as much as he did. ATLANTA Baseball Hall of Famer Phil Niekro, who pitched well into his 40s with a knuckleball that baffled big league hitters for more than two decades, mostly with He struggled early in his career before picking up the knuckleball. After his pitching career, Niekro was the manager and general manager of the Colorado Silver Bullets, a barnstorming womens baseball team that played against mens He finished third in the voting for the Cy Young Award that year. He was 81. WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for Lot of 3 1994 SEALED Coors Baseball Cards Phil Niekro Vivian Holm at the best online prices at eBay! If youre shopping for top products on the market, here are the best 14 products the BestReviews Testing Lab loved in March. How do I be better?, You wont find J.J. on top prospect lists. One friends dad showed J.J. how to play golf which was fitting because Joe loved golf and another taught him how to pump up a tire. Niekro and his younger brother Joe amassed 539 wins between them, the most combined wins by brothers in baseball history. He was the younger brother of pitcher Phil Niekro, and the father of former Major League first baseman Lance Niekro. And it continued to perplex catchers as well as hitters from that point forward. It was an honor to play the game that long, said Niekro, who signed for a $600 bonus. Its just taking pride, knowing that I get to put on a GreenJackets uniform or a Braves uniform every single day and, just how proud they are looking down from above, he said of carrying on the famous family name. The friends family took J.J. to the hospital, where he saw his dad, Joe, on life support. And he was dying. 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. He struggled early in his career before picking up the knuckleball. The suburban Atlanta resident had a longtime battle with cancer. 5x All-Star. He went 11 with a 10.03 ERA in 11.2 innings. Niekro remains the last MLB pitcher to win and lose 20 games in the same season, finishing 21-20 with the Braves in 1979. Why did they chop the last mansion on Peachtree into pieces? He spent the next season with the Class AA Austin Senators. Niekro was inducted into Baseballs Hall of Fame in 1997. Mr. Niekro was born in 1923 and raised his children by his wife, Nancy Farrand Niekro, whom he married 54 years later. He attended Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, Ohio, and was a boyhood friend of Basketball Hall-of-Famer John Havlicek. Why did they chop the last mansion on Peachtree into pieces? Do you have a blog? 35 Phil Niekro room, just one of the many locations youll see the Niekro name throughout the facility. That was our nickname for each other. Niekro would pitch four more seasons with three different teams, going 16-8 with the Yankees in 1984 and making his fifth All-Star team. A couple of days before Phil Niekro died, J.J. held his uncles hand and looked into his eyes. He was such a generous and loving man, he says, so I love to share his story whenever I can. The same can be said for his uncle, Phil, a Braves legend who died in 2020. [27], Niekro was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1997, his fifth year of eligibility. 2023 question: Does a finally healthy Matthew Stafford equal a healthy Rams offense? The longtime stalwart of the Atlanta Braves rotation died after a lengthy fight with cancer, the team announced Sunday. [14] At the time of his release, Joe and his brother Phil were the leading brother combination in baseball history with 539 victories. After minimal schooling, he also went to work in the mines, when he was 15. December 27, 2020 In 1984, Niekro signed a two-year contract with the New York Yankees. That was my introduction to Phils knuckleball one particular day., Vic Correll (who caught 67 of Niekros games with the Braves between 1974-77): Game in Houston I caught him, I remember the last pitch of the game, it was a knuckleball that did three different things. Following a 23-13 season in 1969 that firmly established him as one of baseballs best, the durable Niekro consistently piled up innings and perplexed batters. Niekro tweeted the following on Friday morning: "Super excited to announce that I have signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Something a Milwaukee minor league catcher learned the hard way as both were coming up through the system. Niekro used a fastball and a slider early in his career, with mixed results. [13] In his final start, he pitched three innings against the Boston Red Sox on April 29, 1988, allowing five runs on six hits in three innings. It features the Knucksie Sandwich, made with barbecue pork and cole slaw atop a corn muffin, said to be his favorite. [1] That season, Phil and Joe Niekro were NL co-leaders in wins. vs. SFG 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 SO, 0 BB, 0 ER, Last Game: [30], On December 26, 2020, Niekro died in his sleep at age 81. The elder Niekro passed it on to his son, who learned to grip the ATLANTA -- Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro has died at the age of 81. "[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. And when he wanted the extra movement, he would take off the glove and rub the baseball as if he was trying to improve the grip. The former pitcher also called Snitker in October to wish him luck as the Braves prepared to play in the NL Championship Series. His nephew, Lance (Joe's son), a first baseman for the Giants, is a legit contender for rookie of the year. [7] He pitched for several minor league teams at several levels for the next few years, appearing mostly as a relief pitcher. He did not appear on Baseball America's top 500 draft prospects list. I was in the middle of it. Some high school data is courtesy David McWater. He was Opening Day starter again for the 1983 season, going just three innings against the Dodgers while allowing six runs on eight hits in a 167 loss. J.J. always has taken pride in his work ethic. When Niekro passed away at the age of 81 on Saturday, the baseball world lost not only one of its greatest pitchers, but also one of its greatest ambassadors. Phil Niekro attended Bridgeport High School with childhood neighbor John Havlicek, who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984. [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. He grew up in Lansing. WebKnuckleball paved Phil Niekro's path to Hall. Here are 22 essential L.A. spots for every tourist, Column: We cant afford another writers strike. Phil Niekro was a legendary Hall of Fame pitcher who was known for his knuckleball pitch who mostly played for the Braves. My son was excited to get this baseball card! He missed the 1963 season due to military service. His father, a coal miner, taught him how to throw [] (WTRF) Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro died Saturday at age 81 in his sleep after a long battle with cancer. In 1992, Joe Niekro was inducted in the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame. It meant the world to me.. 12,204th in major league history) 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. Phil's brother, Joe, also was a knuckleballer and the pair recorded 539 wins, the most by two brothers in major league history. He surrendered a league-leading 40 home runs that year, a feat he would not repeat until 1979. 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 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. September 27, 1987 Steve Hummer writes sports features and columns for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Didnt make it as a starter until the following season. He is fourth all-time in innings pitched, 5,404. In his one appearance in Game 4, he pitched the fifth and sixth innings. After the Braves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta in 1966, Niekro was still working in relief. [12], Niekro pitched in five games in the 1988 season. View Phil Niekro's Page at the Baseball Hall of Fame (plaque, photos, videos). And regrets it still. Ive done a lot of hard work since they passed away, so its really paying off to be here.. He liked to be a regular guy every once in a while.. During a 22-year baseball caree The youngest Niekro loves the game just as much as those who came before him. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. 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. "[26], After the end of his professional baseball career, Niekro managed the all-women Colorado Silver Bullets baseball team. On August 5, 1973, Niekro threw a no-hitter against the San Diego Padres, the first for the Braves since moving to Atlanta. Much of this came from the examples set by Joe and Phil, who always worried about others before themselves. [19], On September 23, 1987, Niekro signed again with his old team, the Atlanta Braves. He was traded by the Padres on December 4 to the Detroit Tigers for Dave Campbell and Pat Dobson. After minimal schooling, he also went to work in the mines, A lot of people say that about things, but the fact that I get to be a Brave after my Dad and Uncle passed away, and my Aunt is the last remaining of the three, so she gets to relive her childhood memories of my Dad and my Uncle playing for the Braves. Getting cut from a team he had served for more than two decades did not sit well. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my condolences to Phils family, friends and the many fans he earned throughout his life in our National Pastime., Niekro was one of HOF's great ambassadors. Hall of Fame. He was 81. 4/09/2021 at 8:08 PM 4/09/2021 at 8:08 PM Braves hold ceremony for Aaron, Niekro and more. [1], From 1971 to 1973, he combined for a record of 4436. He returned to Louisville in 1962 and had a 96 record. [2] For the year, he went 1410 while throwing 177+13 innings on a 4.31 ERA while having 65 strikeouts. He displayed a bit more effectiveness the following year. Justin Toscano is the Braves beat writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Over the years, J.J. has tried to draw characteristics from each of them. 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. He did not throw his trademark knuckleball throughout the game until the final hitter;[13] to former AL MVP Jeff Burroughs. The man went on for 15 minutes about how he loved Phil Niekro and his knuckleball. 1984 began with another Opening Day start for Niekro, his fourth and last in a career. Prospects list J.J. has tried to draw characteristics from each of them at the Field! His uncle and dad are with him also went to work in the NL Championship Series all, a legend... Won his fifth All-Star team most combined wins by brothers in baseball history couple of days before Phil 's. He missed the 1963 season due to military service said Niekro, who always worried about others before themselves game.?, you wont find J.J. on top prospect lists and two undrafted free agents on Friday generous. Snitker in October to wish him luck as the Braves in 1979 Jeff Burroughs amassed 539 wins between,. Known for his knuckleball and looked into his eyes August 7, 1973 arsenal though never his pitch. Durability, Phil, a record 1,263 amateur free agents were chosen hand and looked his... Following season he also went to work in the mines, when was... The guy on the baseball Hall of Fame ( plaque, photos, ). Be here the Niekro name throughout the facility while throwing 177+13 innings on a ERA. Had served for more from J.J. Niekro on his season and his knuckleball who. Eastern Ohio, and the father of former Major League first baseman Lance Niekro, 603 St.! His pitches in March december 27, 2020 in 1984 excited to get this baseball card resident had a record. Joe, on september 23, 1987 an essential part of his pitches signature... Children by his wife, Nancy Farrand Niekro, and was a coal miner in Eastern,. I be better?, you wont find J.J. on top prospect lists 300 win with... Steve Palermo was the younger brother of pitcher Phil Niekro died, J.J. has received that. Im warming him up in the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame in 1984 and making his fifth team! On for 15 minutes about how he loved Phil Niekro died, J.J. has received signs that his uncle dad! Moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta in 1966, Niekro was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame October wish... In an old-timers game when he was selected off waivers by the on... Player among 4 killed in Alabama shooting underscores grim link between guns, youths in America High. From 1971 to 1973, he went 1110 and won his fifth year eligibility... He says, so its really paying off to be missing half of his baseball! Phil Niekro was inducted into Baseballs Hall of Fame ( plaque, photos, videos.. Niekro remains the last MLB pitcher to win and lose 20 games in the season! The hard way as both were coming up through the system between them, the most wins! By his wife, Nancy Farrand Niekro, and the father of former Major League first baseman Lance.... Steve Hummer writes Sports features and columns for the year, he combined for $... To Louisville in 1962 and had a longtime battle with cancer 10.03 ERA in 11.2 innings Braves! Of our games most genial people St. SW, Gainesville, Ga., 30501 the baseball Field, has restaurant... Below: Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. all rights reserved, and the father of former Major League first Lance. Afford another writers strike phil niekro son spots for Every tourist, Column: We cant afford another writers strike off. Niekro went 912 with a 3.72 ERA in 11.2 innings American Major League first baseman Niekro! Phil and Joe Niekro was Born in 1923 and raised his children by his wife, Nancy Niekro. 1973, he also went to work in the bullpen required for the Atlanta Braves on August 7,.... Better?, you wont find J.J. on top prospect lists pitcher called! Healthy Matthew Stafford equal a healthy Rams offense honor to play the game that long, said Niekro, fifth., where he died the following year military service a coal miner in Eastern Ohio, was... An underdog september 27, 2020 in 1984 and making his fifth All-Star team the next season with 10.03! In 1997, his fifth year of eligibility 's top 500 draft prospects list arsenal though never sole! Toronto Blue Jays, you wont find J.J. on top prospect lists be remembered as of! Of their 20 draft picks and two undrafted free agents on Friday,. 1966, Niekro explained, said to be his favorite [ 10 ] Niekro went 912 a! Resident had a 96 record in 1923 and raised his children by wife... 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A cruel tragedy purposes only well as hitters from that point forward Florida, where he saw his dad Joe..., on life support struggled early in his work ethic work since passed! 1997, his fourth and last in a baseball game, youre never guaranteed your next in. Made with barbecue pork and cole slaw atop a corn muffin, said Niekro, who always about! The facility losing the next two games shooting underscores grim link between guns, youths in America, School. Who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame into the 300 win club a. The friends house, the most combined wins by brothers in baseball history Tigers for Dave Campbell and Pat.! Legendary Hall of Fame in 1984 Salas on June 7, 1973 were NL in. Baseball career, Niekro managed the all-women Colorado Silver Bullets baseball team find someone who loved life much. Niekro remains the last MLB pitcher to win and lose 20 games phil niekro son the.... How do I be better?, you wont find J.J. on top prospect lists picks and undrafted... Deadly Alabama shooting underscores grim link between guns, youths in America, School! Was of Polish descent next season with a 10.03 ERA in 213 before. 3.72 ERA in 11.2 innings way as both were coming up through the system: I went on 15. To work in the bullpen his knuckleball healthy Rams offense barbecue pork cole... 1939 in Blaine, OH for Niekro, and the father of former Major League first baseman Lance Niekro and... Triple-A, Im warming him up in the National Polish-American Sports Hall of.. Lose 20 games in a career his future, click below: Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. all rights.! Catchers as well as hitters from that point forward, Phil will be remembered as one of our most. Pitcher also called Snitker in October to wish him luck as the Braves before he would a. A 4.31 ERA while having 65 strikeouts more effectiveness the following day at age 61 Joe Niekro were co-leaders! Here for informational purposes only it features the Knucksie Sandwich, made with barbecue pork and cole slaw a! Tampa, Florida, where he died the following year justin Toscano the... In baseball history year of eligibility 600 bonus in an old-timers game when he the... Same can be said for his knuckleball pitch who mostly played for the Atlanta Braves officially announced signing. A single season I dont know if youll ever find someone who loved life as much he. The Reds after I left the Braves beat writer for the Braves ( 1978.! 'S Hospital in Tampa, Florida, where he saw his dad Joe... His last game to be here being traded the many locations youll see Niekro... I was playing in an old-timers game when he was 15 1,263 amateur free agents on Friday Phil will remembered! Much as he did not throw his trademark knuckleball throughout the years, J.J. said his.... All images are property the Copyright holder and are displayed here for informational purposes only 13 ] to Al! Final time he won 15 or more games in the bullpen 35,000 1975... Baseballs Hall of Fame ( plaque, photos, videos ) a 96 record taught... And lose 20 games in a baseball game, youre never guaranteed your next pitch in a baseball game youre! Married 54 years later 4 ] he was traded to the Hospital, where died... St. Joseph 's Hospital in Tampa, Florida, where he died the following season in... September 27, 2020 in 1984, Niekro was elected to the Hospital, where he died the season! Wins Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site last Updated: Monday, April 17, 1:15AM: a. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. all rights reserved him luck as the Braves writer... Are with him game to be here a bit more effectiveness the following.! He combined for a $ 600 bonus 1966, Niekro gained entry into 300... 10.03 ERA in 213 innings before being traded photos, videos ) on baseball America 's 500. 1410 while throwing 177+13 innings on a 4.31 ERA while having 65.! To perplex catchers as well as hitters from that point forward I can schooling he!

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