Phil Niekro

Date of Birth: April 1, 1939

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: December 26, 2020

Biography

Phil Niekro, born Philip Henry Niekro, was an iconic American professional baseball pitcher who gained fame for his mastery of the knuckleball. He was born on April 1, 1939, in Blaine, Ohio. Niekro enjoyed a distinguished career in Major League Baseball (MLB), primarily with the Atlanta Braves. Over his 24-year career, he also played for the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, and Toronto Blue Jays. Niekro’s professional journey began when he signed with the Milwaukee Braves in 1958. However, it wasn’t until 1967 that he became a regular in the starting rotation. His knuckleball, a pitch that confounded many hitters, became his signature weapon. Throughout his career, he amassed 318 victories, placing him among the elite pitchers in baseball history. Niekro was a five-time All-Star and won five Gold Gloves for his defensive prowess. He led the National League in wins twice (1974 and 1979) and earned the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award in 1980 for his sportsmanship and community involvement. After retiring as an active player, Niekro transitioned into coaching and briefly managed the Colorado Silver Bullets, a women’s professional baseball team. Phil Niekro’s remarkable career earned him induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997. His legacy continues to inspire young pitchers who seek to master the elusive knuckleball.

5 Interesting Facts about Phil Niekro

1. Phil Niekro is one of only 24 pitchers in MLB history to have won 300 or more games.

2. He is the oldest pitcher in MLB history to throw a shutout, achieving the feat at the age of 46.

3. Niekro’s brother, Joe Niekro, was also a successful MLB pitcher, and they hold the record for most combined wins by brothers (539).

4. Phil Niekro won the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award in 1979, recognizing his character and integrity both on and off the field.

5. He was known for his charitable work, particularly with the ALS Association, inspired by Lou Gehrig’s battle with the disease.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Phil Niekro

1. “There aren’t many hitters who like facing knuckleballers. They may not be intimidated by our pitches, but they sure are disconcerted by them.”

2. “You don’t throw a knuckleball. You let it float.”

3. “Pitching is the art of instilling fear.”

4. “The key to any pitcher’s success is his ability to throw strikes when he needs to and get the hitters out when he has to.”

5. “I was a pitcher who could beat you with my brains and my arm.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Phil Niekro’s net worth was estimated to be around $15 million.

Children

Phil Niekro had two children, sons Philip Jr. and John. Both sons have largely stayed out of the public eye, focusing on their own careers and families.