The Braves have announced the passing of Phil Niekro, the Hall of Fame pitcher who starred with the franchise for years behind his signature knuckleball.
Niekro died after a battle with cancer. He was 81 years old.
Niekro played 21 of his 24 major league baseball seasons with the Braves, throwing more than 5,400 innings in his career with five All-Star selections and three 20-win campaigns.
He posted 318 wins and 3,342 strikeouts on the way to a Hall of Fame induction.
Master of the knuckleball and a great mentor, leader and friend, Hall of Famer and @braves legend Phil Niekro passed away overnight at the age of 81. https://t.co/aj7uScYnuy pic.twitter.com/F1GmX9Yb1n
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) December 27, 2020
“Phil Niekro was one of the most distinctive and memorable pitchers of his generation,” said Commissioner Rob Manfred. “In the last century, no pitcher threw more than Phil’s 5,404 innings. His knuckleball led him to five All-Star selections, three 20-win seasons for the Atlanta Braves, the 300-win club, and ultimately, to Cooperstown.
“But even more than his signature pitch and trademark durability, Phil will be remembered as one of our game’s most genial people. He always represented his sport extraordinarily well, and he will be deeply missed. 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.”
Cox Media Group
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