Phil Niekro, known for his mastery of the knuckleball, became one of the most enduring pitchers in Major League Baseball history. Born on April 1, 1939, in Blaine, Ohio, Niekro grew up in a baseball-loving family. His father, a coal miner and semi-professional pitcher, introduced him to the knuckleball, a pitch that would define his career.

Niekro's professional journey began when he signed with the Milwaukee Braves in 1959. After several years in the minor leagues, he made his major league debut in 1964. Initially, he split his time between starting and relieving, but by 1967, he had established himself as a full-time starter. That year, he led the National League with a 1.87 ERA, showcasing the effectiveness of his knuckleball.

Throughout the 1970s, Niekro became a mainstay in the Braves' rotation. His ability to consistently deliver the unpredictable knuckleball baffled hitters and contributed to his longevity in the sport. In 1973, he achieved a personal milestone by pitching a no-hitter against the San Diego Padres. This feat underscored his skill and the difficulty batters faced when trying to hit his signature pitch.

Niekro's career was marked by several standout seasons. In 1974, he won 20 games for the first time, a feat he would accomplish three more times in his career. His durability was remarkable; he regularly pitched over 300 innings in a season, a testament to his stamina and the low-stress mechanics of the knuckleball. In 1979, he led the league in wins, strikeouts, and innings pitched, earning him a second-place finish in the Cy Young Award voting.

Despite playing for teams that often struggled, Niekro's individual performances earned him five All-Star selections. His reputation as a workhorse was well-deserved, as he frequently led the league in games started and complete games. The knuckleball, difficult to master and even harder to catch, became his trademark, and he was one of the few pitchers who relied on it as their primary pitch.

In 1982, at the age of 43, Niekro helped lead the Braves to a division title, their first since 1969. His leadership and experience were invaluable to the team, and he continued to pitch effectively despite his advancing age. After leaving the Braves in 1983, he signed with the New York Yankees, where he continued to defy age and expectations.

A memorable moment came on October 6, 1985, when Niekro won his 300th game, pitching for the Yankees against the Toronto Blue Jays. In a fitting tribute to his career, he struck out the final batter using a fastball, a pitch he rarely threw. This victory placed him among the elite pitchers in baseball history, as only a select few have reached the 300-win milestone.

Niekro's career extended into the late 1980s, with stints at the Cleveland Indians and Toronto Blue Jays. He returned to the Braves in 1987 for a final farewell, pitching his last game on September 27 of that year. Over his 24-year career, he accumulated 318 wins, 3,342 strikeouts, and a 3.35 ERA, numbers that reflect his skill and longevity.

⚾