Phil Niekro Biography

Philip Henry Niekro, nicknamed Knucksie, played 24 seasons in Major League Baseball for the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays. Niekro is widely recognized as the greatest knuckleball pitcher in baseball history. He was selected to five All-Star teams, led the National League in victories in 1974 and 1979, and won the National League Gold Glove Award five times. With 318 career wins, Niekro ranks 16th on MLB's all-time wins list and is the only knuckleballer to win 300 or more major league games. As of 2023, he holds the major league record with 121 career victories after turning 40. Niekro made his major league debut with the Milwaukee Braves in 1964, pitching 15 innings during his initial stint. In 1966, he split time between the Braves and their minor league affiliate, posting a 4–3 record with a 4.11 ERA.