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Known by the nickname "Knucksie," Niekro
pitched 21 of his 24 seasons with the Braves, winning 318 games
and striking out 3,342 batters, which places him eighth on the
all-time list.
The Blaine, Ohio native was also an outstanding fielder, winning
five gold gloves in his lengthy career. He threw a no-hitter on
August 5, 1973 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.
"Phil Niekro was one of the most distinctive and memorable
pitchers of his generation," MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said.
In the last century, no pitcher threw more than Phil's 5,404
innings, Manfred said. His knuckleball led him to five All-Star
selections, three 20-win seasons for the Atlanta Braves, the
300-win club, and ultimately, to the National Baseball Hall of
Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York.
"But even more than his signature pitch and trademark
durability, Phil will be remembered as one of our game's most
genial people," said Manfred.
"On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my condolences to
Phil's family, friends and the many fans he earned throughout
his life in our National Pastime," said Manfred.
Hall of Famer Willie Stargell summed up the experience of trying
to hit Niekro's slow moving but highly unpredictable pitches.
"Phil Niekro's knuckleball is like a butterfly with hiccups," he
said.
Niekro and his late brother Joe, another knuckleballer, hold the
record for the most victories by a brother combination with 539.
Phil Niekro's tenure in the big leagues also included stints
with the Yankees, Indians and Blue Jays. Niekro finished with a
record of 318-274 and a 3.35 ERA.
(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; editing by Diane
Craft)
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