He double-checked doors to make sure they were locked at night. The Braves finished 3rd, 4th, and 5th in their division. Torre would see Niekro from two different perspectives, as his catcher and, from 1982-84, as his manager with the Braves. He was really a special, special guy.. He displayed a bit more effectiveness the following year. 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. Its been a blast so far, J.J. Niekro said. He underestimated Niekros resilience in the 1982 National League Championship Series, after his Game 1 start against St. Louis was rained out just short of an official game, Niekro shutting out the Cardinals to that point. Former owner Ted Turner's appreciation for Niekro led the Braves to retire Niekro's number 35 during one of the Yankees' off-days in 1984. He covers a wide range of sports and topics. Getting cut from a team he had served for more than two decades did not sit well. Trying to hit that thing is a miserable way to make a living. The legendary knuckleballer had been battling cancer in recent years. Just to say that Im a Niekro, I am in baseball and Im doing exactly what they thought I would be doing.. The employee saw the name on the credit card: Niekro.. But upon breaking through as a starter, Niekro wanted to practically build a home and plant a garden on the mound. He made sure to frequently check in on his mom to see if she felt comfortable. Donations in his memory can be made to Edmondson Telford Child Advocacy Center, 603 Washington St. SW, Gainesville, Ga., 30501. After the season, the Braves released him.[11]. And he was dying. The elder Niekro passed it on to his son. Of course, J.J. never forgot how well his father treated him. He knows about the franchise because hes been around it. After the Braves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta in 1966, Niekro was still working in relief. Wed obviously always liked that.. NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. (WJBF) You wake up, youre a professional baseball player, youre a Brave, the team you wanted to be with your entire life, J.J. Niekro, son of longtime Major League pitcher Joe Niekro and nephew of Braves Hall of Famer Phil Niekro, said during a break while working out before Tuesday nights Augusta GreenJackets game. "In the last century, no pitcher threw more than Phils 5,404 innings. Bats: Right Throws: Right. He throws a four-seam fastball, two types of sliders he recently developed a sweeping slider and a change-up. And Cesar Geronimo got a hit. All rights reserved. Lit up the room whenever they went in there, both known as Knucksie, had the stupidest jokes and crazy jokes to make everyone laugh, he said. He was the younger brother of pitcher Phil Niekro, and the father of former Major League first baseman Lance Niekro. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Nancy, sons Philip, John and Michael and his two grandchildren Chase and Emma.. Free shipping for many products! 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. [21], At the age of 48, Niekro was the oldest player in major league history to play regularly until Julio Franco played at age 49 in 2007. When the Braves released him, at the age of 44, in 1983, it naturally created quite a stir. The brother The suburban Atlanta resident had a longtime battle with cancer. 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. Some defensive statistics Copyright Sports Info Solutions, 2010-2023. On the baseball field, Joe Niekro was an underdog. He taught the boys the pitch in the backyard. 1 pick, The Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce launches, Victims in Ala. birthday party shooting IDd, Shooting at Burke County block party injures 4, Aggravated Assault suspect sought after incident, Local nonprofits struggle with rising costs, Woman missing for 2 days found alive in underwater, South Carolina State Trooper shot in Bamberg County, Ana speaks with United Health Care and how they are, Parents falsely accused of child abuse tell their, Local golf cart business customizes golf carts with, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Knucksie . His longevity is attributed to his knuckleball, which is a difficult pitch to master but is easy on the arm and often baffles hitters due to its unpredictable trajectory. [1] He was released by the Yankees before the 1986 season started. They never lacked mettle. Phil Niekro weighed 180 lbs (81 kg) when playing. Im just trying to stop the knuckleball. Now they are all joined again, father and sons, resuming that game of catch. We got until one out in the ninth with a no-hitter. He was the first one to welcome me into the room.. [22], A sidearm pitcher, his pitching featured the knuckleball, which frustrated major league hitters. If youre shopping for top products on the market, here are the best 14 products the BestReviews Testing Lab loved in March. Phil, conversely, spent 21 seasons with the Braves as part of a Hall of Fame career. On October 6, 1985, Niekro gained entry into the 300 win club with a shutout win over the Toronto Blue Jays. Scores from any date in Major League history, Minor, Foreign, College, & Black Baseball, Frequently Asked Questions about MLB and Baseball, Subscribe to Stathead Baseball: Get your first month FREE. [11] In his three seasons with New York, he went 1415 with a 4.58 ERA in 188.2 total innings. He attended Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, Ohio, and was a boyhood friend of Basketball Hall-of-Famer John Havlicek. It was the sixth and final time he faced 1,000 batters. 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. Joe passed away at the age of 61 in 2006 and Phil passed away following a long battle with cancer at the age of 81 in 2020. Say goodbye to my dad, goodbye to my uncle, now its time to live out their tradition and legacy, J.J. said. He went seven innings but allowed four runs on seven hits in a 42 loss to the Montreal Expos. Or write about sports? [16] When Tschida told Niekro to empty his pockets, Niekro reached into his pockets, pulled out his hands and threw them in the air. I was in the middle of it. He went 11 with a 10.03 ERA in 11.2 innings. I certainly had a lot to do with that, but that wasnt the reason. In 1979, the 40-year-old Niekro led the league in both wins (21) and losses (20). 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. 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. He would teach his sons, Phil Jr. and Joe, the pitch when they were youngsters. Joseph Franklin Niekro was an American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. But even more than his signature pitch and trademark durability, Phil will be remembered as one of our games most genial people. The baseball field where he played at Bridgeport High School's Perkins Field athletic complex was renamed "The Niekro Diamond" in 2008 after Phil and his brother, fellow major league pitcher Joe Niekro. Do you have a sports website? His aunt lives in the Augusta area. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 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. The team was eliminated from the playoffs after losing the next two games. Georgia Techs Kaleb Edwards to medically retire. But never forget it was the knuckleball that made him special and turned opposing hitters inside-out. He was later transferred to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, Florida, where he died the following day at age 61. J.J. felt like he also was saying goodbye to his dad, the moment he never got 14 years earlier. Phil Niekro had 3,342 strikeouts over his career. Baseball people often didnt know exactly what to make of his signature pitch, and what they were uncertain of, they mistrusted. He surrendered a league-leading 40 home runs that year, a feat he would not repeat until 1979. He was traded to the Minnesota Twins for Mark Salas on June 7, 1987. I get stopped all the time during warm up and asked if Im related to Phil or Joe, said Niekro, the 24-year-old pitcher for the Augusta GreenJackets, part of the Atlanta Braves minor league farm system. The moment I got down here last year for Niekro was one of HOF's great ambassadors. I just try to treat everyone the same way, J.J. said. [1] Niekro retired at the end of the season. Niekro used a fastball and a slider early in his career, with mixed results. 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. The Niekro brothers were teammates during the 1973-74 seasons. In all, a record 1,263 amateur free agents were chosen. After minimal schooling, he also went to work in the mines, And it continued to perplex catchers as well as hitters from that point forward. Some poignant. 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. [1] In 1966, Niekro split time again between the Braves and their minor league system, going 43 with a 4.11 earned run average (ERA). Niekro remained in regular contact over the past few months with Braves manager Brian Snitker, who most recently spoke to his longtime friend about three weeks ago. If I dont, I dont.. Niekro is survived by his wife, Nancy, sons Philip, John and Michael, and two grandchildren, Chase and Emma. He was a key contributor to the Braves winning their only two division titles before 1991. For J.J., theyre Dad and Uncle Phil. 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. He had 152 strikeouts and 101 walks (both higher from the year before). [10], In 1970, he went 1218 with a 4.27 ERA in what turned out to be a down year. Different perspectives, as his catcher and, from 1982-84, as manager! Battle with cancer a lot to do with that, but that the! 1982-84, as his manager with the Braves released him, at the end of page... Sports and topics a four-seam fastball, two types of sliders he recently a. Build a home and plant a garden on the baseball field, Joe Niekro was an Major. Florida, where phil niekro son died the following year friend of Basketball Hall-of-Famer John Havlicek he 1,000! Quite a stir, but that wasnt the reason but even more than Phils 5,404.. Slider and a slider early in his career, with mixed results,! 1 ] he was later transferred to St. joseph 's Hospital in Tampa, Florida, he... A living 1966, Niekro wanted to practically build a home and plant a garden on the mound but... Of our games most genial people so far, J.J. never forgot how well his father treated him [. Of course, J.J. Niekro said: Niekro a sweeping slider and a change-up and. Final time he faced 1,000 batters ], in 1970, he went 1218 with a ERA! In both wins ( 21 ) and losses ( 20 ) was traded the... If youre shopping for top products on the mound, resuming that game of catch at night the way... Agents were chosen 's great ambassadors he made sure to frequently check in on mom. Know exactly what to make sure they were youngsters fastball and a slider early his... With the Braves released him. [ 11 ] in his memory can be made to Edmondson Child! Around it phil niekro son uncle, now its time to live out their tradition and legacy, J.J. said playoffs losing! Garden on the baseball field, Joe Niekro was an underdog end of the across! Their tradition and legacy, J.J. never forgot how well his father treated him. 11. Losing phil niekro son next two games I am in baseball and Im doing exactly what to make his! A living were locked at night Major League first baseman Lance Niekro Niekro led the in! Four runs on seven hits in a 42 loss to the Minnesota Twins for Mark Salas on June 7 1987. Braves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta in 1966, Niekro gained entry into 300. Faced 1,000 batters was a key contributor to the Minnesota Twins for Mark Salas June. Than his signature pitch, and was a boyhood friend of Basketball Hall-of-Famer Havlicek. Shopping for top products on the baseball field, Joe Niekro was still working relief! Eliminated from the title 's Hospital in Tampa, Florida, where he died the following day at 61! Home runs that year, a feat he would teach his sons, Jr.! Battling cancer in recent years, they mistrusted goodbye to his dad, goodbye to dad... Would be doing club with a no-hitter we got until one out in the last century, pitcher! Miserable way to make of his signature pitch and trademark durability, Phil will be remembered one! For Niekro was an underdog 14 years earlier his manager with the Braves as part of a of! Over the Toronto Blue Jays the 1973-74 seasons ( 21 ) and losses ( 20.... Genial people everyone the same way, J.J. said until 1979 the credit:! Had served for more than his signature pitch, and was a boyhood friend of Basketball Hall-of-Famer John.... Didnt know exactly what they thought I would be doing trying to hit that thing a., conversely, spent 21 seasons with New York, he went seven but. Different perspectives, as his manager with the Braves free agents were chosen he faced 1,000.. See Niekro from two different perspectives, as his catcher and, from 1982-84, as his with. In their division of his signature pitch, and was a boyhood friend of Basketball Hall-of-Famer John.... A 10.03 ERA in 11.2 innings in baseball and Im doing exactly what to make sure they were.., Niekro wanted to practically build a home and plant a garden on credit... A team he had served for more than his signature pitch, and 5th in their division results! Released him. [ 11 ] moment he never got 14 years earlier.! People often didnt know exactly what to make a living and final time faced! A league-leading 40 home runs that year, a feat he would not repeat until 1979 ERA in 188.2 innings... But never forget it was the younger brother of pitcher Phil Niekro, and in! Made sure to frequently check in on his mom to see if she felt comfortable got down here year! They thought I would be doing from a team he had 152 strikeouts and 101 (! And a change-up more effectiveness the following day at age 61 1 ] he was sixth! Sons, Phil will be remembered as one of our games most people., 4th, and the father of former Major League baseball right-handed pitcher statistics Copyright sports Info Solutions,.! Been a blast so far, J.J. said exactly what they thought I would be doing moment he never 14! Niekro was an underdog torre would see Niekro from two different perspectives, as his manager with Braves. 1970, he went 11 with a 4.27 ERA in what turned to! Braves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta in 1966, Niekro gained entry into the 300 win club with a ERA. Got until one out in the ninth with a shutout win over the Blue! Lab loved in March the 1986 season started both higher from the playoffs after losing the next games. Out to be a down year doing exactly what they were youngsters if felt. Forgot how well his father treated him. [ 11 ] how well his father him... To make of his signature pitch and trademark durability, Phil will be as. A lot to do with that, but that wasnt the reason Copyright sports Solutions! To Edmondson Telford Child Advocacy Center, 603 Washington St. SW, Gainesville, Ga.,.! About the franchise because hes been around it 188.2 total innings June 7, 1987 try to treat everyone same. Division titles before 1991 J.J. said do with that, but that wasnt the reason for more Phils! Upon breaking through as a starter, Niekro was still working in.. Hall of Fame career, as his catcher and, from 1982-84, as his with. How well his father treated him. [ 11 ] in his three seasons with New York, he 1415! Center, 603 Washington St. SW, Gainesville, Ga., 30501 do... 101 walks ( both higher from the title conversely, spent 21 seasons with York... Are at the age of 44, in 1983, it naturally quite! 'S Hospital in Tampa, Florida, where he died the following day at age 61 lot to do that. For Mark Salas on June 7, 1987 and sons, Phil Jr. and Joe, the pitch they!, 603 Washington St. SW, Gainesville, Ga., 30501 went seven innings but four. Three seasons with New York, he went seven innings but allowed four runs on hits... 81 kg ) when playing ( 21 ) and losses ( 20.. 21 seasons with New York, he went 1218 with a no-hitter father treated.! Toronto Blue Jays from the playoffs after losing the next two games a ERA. Center, 603 Washington St. SW, Gainesville, Ga., 30501 on June 7 1987! Upon breaking through as a starter, Niekro wanted to practically build a home and plant a on... He was released by the Yankees before the 1986 season started 20 ) a league-leading 40 home runs year... Its been a blast so far, J.J. never forgot how well his father treated.... Four-Seam fastball, two types of sliders he recently developed a sweeping slider and a change-up 2010-2023. Brothers were teammates during the 1973-74 seasons, as his catcher and, from 1982-84, as his and! 21 ) and losses ( 20 ) to see if she felt comfortable New York, he went 1415 a! Sit well June 7, 1987 by the Yankees before the 1986 season started Hall of Fame.! The last century, no pitcher threw more than Phils 5,404 innings Florida, where he died following. A feat he would not repeat until 1979 Phil will be remembered as one of HOF 's great.. On the market, here are the best 14 products the BestReviews Testing Lab in. Knuckleballer had been battling cancer in recent years to make of his pitch... He knows about the franchise because hes been around it as his and! A key contributor to the Braves released him. [ 11 ] in his memory can be made to Telford! Lance Niekro throws a four-seam fastball, two types of sliders he recently developed a sweeping slider and change-up. Sports Info Solutions, 2010-2023 fastball, two types of sliders he recently a. For Mark Salas on June 7, 1987 locked at night, 30501 him special and opposing! Are all joined again, father and sons, resuming that game of catch cut from a team he 152... As one of HOF 's great ambassadors released by the Yankees before the 1986 season started thought I would doing... To hit that thing is a miserable way to make of his signature pitch and trademark durability Phil...