Phil Niekro Biography

Fast Facts

• Inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame in 1997
• His No․ 35 jersey was retired by the Atlanta Braves
• Brother of fellow big-leaguer, Joe Niekro
• Signed by the Braves at 20-years-old, receiving a signing bonus of $250
• Played in minor league baseball from 1959 to 1966
• Earned his 300th career win on October 6, 1985, while pitching for the Yankees
• Pitched a total of 5,404 innings over the course of his 24-season career
• Threw his first no-hitter on August 5, 1973
• Often went by the nickname "Knucksie", as his signature knuckleball was what he was best known for
• Once worked as an advisor for the Georgia-based Kiz Toys Company