Sports

Legendary Braves Pitcher, Hall of Famer Phil Niekro Dies at 81

December 28th, 2020

A statue of Phil Niekro greets fans as they enter the Braves’ home ballpark, Truist Park.

Emil Moffatt / WABE

Phil Niekro, who spent the majority of his Hall of Fame career with the Atlanta Braves, has died of cancer at age 81.

Niekro was one of baseball’s most successful knuckleball pitchers during his 24 years on the mound.

In a statement announcing his death, the Braves said they were heartbroken on the passing of a treasured friend.

The Ohio-native broke into the big leagues as a member of the Milwaukee Braves and moved with the team to Atlanta two years later.

It was with the Braves where notched the bulk of his 318 career victories, including a National League leading 20 wins 1974 and 21 wins in 1979. He has pitched in the most games in Braves history and is second in franchise history in strikeouts and innings pitched.

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

Niekro pitched until he was 48 years old, retiring in 1987. Ten years later, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. After his playing days, Niekro continued to be involved in community activities with the Braves’ organization. He threw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to Game 5 of the National League Division Series at SunTrust Park in October of 2019.

Niekro also served as mentor to other members of the small fraternity of knuckleball pitchers, such as R.A. Dickey.

So sad today. Phil Neikro helped me in a profound way to change the course of my career and life. I was perpetually moved by his kindness, wisdom, and sense of humor. What a man! He will be missed. Thank you Phil!

— R.A. Dickey (@RADickey43) December 27, 2020

Niekro’s younger brother Joe, who won more than 200 games in his on right as a knuckleball pitcher with the Houston Astros, died in 2006. Both Niekros won 21 games in the 1979 season and have more combined wins of any brother combination in baseball history.

In the mid 1990s, Niekro managed a women’s professional baseball team, the Colorado Silver Bullets. He spoke about the team at his Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 1997.

“This is America, the land of the free and the home of the Brave,” said Niekro. “All they wanted was the chance to play baseball and an opportunity, and I think this is what this country can give them.”

Niekro is survived by his wife Nancy, three sons and two grandchildren.