Niekro made his major league debut with the Cubs in 1967. During his early years, he played for several teams, including the San Diego Padres and the Detroit Tigers. It was with the Tigers that he began to develop the knuckleball, a pitch that would become his signature and help extend his career. The knuckleball, known for its unpredictable movement, was a skill he honed with guidance from his brother Phil, who was already renowned for his mastery of the pitch.
In 1975, Niekro was traded to the Atlanta Braves, where he briefly joined forces with Phil. However, it was his subsequent trade to the Houston Astros in 1975 that marked a turning point in his career. With the Astros, Niekro found stability and success, becoming a mainstay in their pitching rotation. His tenure with Houston was highlighted by his performance in the late 1970s and early 1980s, where he consistently delivered strong seasons.
The 1979 season was particularly noteworthy for Niekro. He achieved a career-high 21 wins, leading the National League in victories and earning a spot in the All-Star Game. His performance that year helped the Astros contend for the National League West title, although they ultimately fell short. Niekro's ability to control games with his knuckleball made him a challenging opponent for hitters across the league.
Niekro continued to pitch effectively for the Astros throughout the early 1980s. In 1980, he played a crucial role in helping the team reach the postseason for the first time in franchise history. The Astros faced the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Championship Series, a tightly contested matchup that went to five games. Although the Astros were defeated, Niekro's contributions were vital to their playoff run.
In 1985, Niekro was traded to the New York Yankees, where he continued to showcase his pitching skills. His time with the Yankees was marked by a memorable incident in 1987 when he was ejected from a game for having an emery board in his pocket, an event that drew significant attention. Despite the controversy, Niekro remained a respected figure in the game.
Niekro's career wound down with stints at the Minnesota Twins and a brief return to the Astros. He retired after the 1988 season, leaving behind a legacy of 221 career wins and a reputation as one of the game's most effective knuckleball pitchers. His longevity in the sport was a testament to his adaptability and skill, particularly in mastering a pitch that few could control.
Off the field, Joe Niekro was known for his friendly demeanor and sense of humor. His relationships with teammates and his brother Phil were central to his life in baseball. The Niekro brothers hold the record for the most combined wins by siblings in MLB history, a testament to their shared talent and dedication to the sport.
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