He gave Joe a day off., Bruce Benedict: I remember opposing hitters coming up to me and saying you know what, we only face him three or four times a year, Im not going to mess my swing up trying to hit this thing. Bats: Right Throws: Right. Total Zone Rating and initial framework for Wins above Replacement calculations provided by Sean Smith. J.J. remembers his dad and uncle talking in such a way that would lead you to believe they enjoyed playing in Atlanta more than anywhere theyd been in their careers. [16] Niekro revealed a nail file in his pocket. Second stint with the Atlanta Braves (1987), New York Yankees Opening Day starting pitchers, List of Major League Baseball career wins leaders, List of Major League Baseball annual ERA leaders, List of Major League Baseball annual strikeout leaders, List of Major League Baseball annual wins leaders, List of Major League Baseball career hit batsmen leaders, List of Major League Baseball career strikeout leaders, List of Major League Baseball single-inning strikeout leaders, "20-Game Loser: Profiles of the 20-Loss Seasons", "Phil Niekro has never forgotten the Ohio Valley", "Phil Niekro Goes Home to Visit His Ailing Father", "Phil League Minor League Statistics and History", "Harris planning dual role for Phil Niekro", "Phil Niekro's illustrious career by the numbers", "Phil Niekro Signs 2-Year Yankee Pact (Published 1984)", "Road to 300: with Roger Clemens becoming the 21st pitcher to win 300 big league games, here are the stories of seven others who reached the same milestone", "Niekro Gets 300th Win a Shutout of Blue Jays", "YANKEES TRADED BAYLOR AND RELEASE PHIL NIEKRO", "Hall of Famer knuckleballer Phil Niekro dies at 81 | Sports | morningjournal.com", "SPORTS PEOPLE; Phil Niekro to Braves (Published 1987)", "Phil Niekro, who rode his knuckleball to the Hall of Fame, dies at 81", "No Spin Zone: Knuckleball master Phil Niekro to speak at Field of Dreams Banquet", "FresnoBee.com: Fresno Grizzlies: Niekro gets shot to pitch", "A Roster of MLB All-Stars Helped Raise Awareness for Prostate Cancer", "Legendary Braves pitcher Phil Niekro dies at age of 81", "Hall of Fame knuckleballer Niekro dead at 81", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Phil_Niekro&oldid=1138834006, Major League Baseball players with retired numbers, Louisville Colonels (minor league) players, American expatriate baseball players in Canada, Deaths from cancer in Georgia (U.S. state), Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, September 27,1987,for theAtlanta Braves, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 11 February 2023, at 22:10. After minimal schooling, he also went to work in the mines, when he was 15. WebNiekro was born in Blaine, Ohio, and grew up in Lansing, Ohio, the son of Henrietta (Klinkoski) and Philip Niekro. If I was on a Monday, an off day, in any other town in the country I wouldnt have that instant family connection, but Augustas always felt like home in an aspect, because I can go to her house, go swimming, have a barbecue on an off day and just feel right at home, so its really, really nice.. And it continued to perplex catchers as well as hitters from that point forward. "[25] Uecker also said humorously of the pitch, "The way to catch a knuckleball is to wait until it stops rolling and pick it up. It felt like closure. He took a tragic situation and turned it into, All right, this is my time to grow up earlier, Lance said. Niekro was born in Martins Ferry, Ohio, and attended Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, Ohio and West Liberty University in West Liberty, West Virginia. Hall of Fame. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. Sign up to receive our daily Morning Lineup to stay in the know about the latest trending topics around Major League Baseball. During a 22-year baseball career, he pitched from 1967 to 1988 for seven different teams, primarily for the Houston Astros. WebKnuckleball paved Phil Niekro's path to Hall. And to J.J., carrying on the Niekro name and legacy is as much, if not more, about being a great human being than a standout baseball player. He struck out a career-high 130 batters while walking 64 and leading all of Major League Baseball with 19 wild pitches. My son was excited to get this baseball card! Over the years, J.J. has tried to draw characteristics from each of them. Joe Torre: He was upset with me, I know. The brother Bruce Benedict caught him at the end. After his pitching career, Niekro was the manager and general manager of the Colorado Silver Bullets, a barnstorming womens baseball team that played against mens He did not appear on Baseball America's top 500 draft prospects list. The only draft pick the Braves haven't signed is prep outfielder Ty Evans, who happened to be their final selection in the class. ATLANTA -- Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro has died at the age of 81. Niekro won 121 games after turning 40, threw a no-hitter against the Padres on Aug. 5, 1973, and won his 300th career game on the final day of the '85 season by throwing just three knucklers -- on his final pitches. Vic Correll: I went on to the Reds after I left the Braves (1978). [21], At the age of 48, Niekro was the oldest player in major league history to play regularly until Julio Franco played at age 49 in 2007. We've expanded our play-by-play data for the 1914, 1921, 1922, and 1923 seasons. Bumgarner y Kershaw solamente se encuentran detrs de Tom Seaver/Steve Carlton (17), Steve Rogers/Carlton (17) y Don Sutton/Phil Niekro (15). Pascual Perez was shelled in the Game 1 redux, while Niekro pitched strong in Game 2, leaving with the lead in a game the Braves would lose. 35 years later, he has held onto the record, as Roy Oswalt fell one win short of tying him for the record. They were the NLs only 20-game winners in 1979. Exceeded rookie limits during 1965 season, View Player Bio That year, he pitched in the World Series, his only appearance in a World Series. He was really a special, special guy.. Before the 1968 season, sportswriter Fred Down described the Braves' pitching staff as "chaotic" and reported that team leadership was planning to use Niekro as both a starter and a reliever in the coming season. Niekro was inducted into Baseballs Hall of Fame in 1997. 5x Gold Glove. He struggled early in his career before picking up the knuckleball. He told me, Chaser, Im getting tired, and I think Im going to go to sleep for a while. . J.J., 23 years old, pitched in parts of five seasons at Florida Southern, a college located in Lakeland, Florida. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, JENNIE: Augusta Players getting ready for Seussical, JENNIE: Downtown group plans April clean-up days, JENNIE: MCG Urogynecologist discusses intimate problems, JENNIE: Local chef expands creative talents to include, JENNIE: Golf Tournament for Easterseals East GA Autism, Niekro continues dominance, GreenJackets win again, Niekro, GreenJackets stay hot Friday night in Columbia, Baseball Hall of Famer, knuckleballer Phil Niekro, Our Testing Lab loved these 14 products in March, Cookware Mothers Day gifts for the foodie mom, Help your dog take the leap with the best dog steps, Plans to rebuild old skating rink and carpet shop, City leaders and water professionals encourage boating, Waynesboro Police Dept. To me there was no secret. So, I appreciate every little thing about life. [17] Tschida revealed in 2021 that "[Joe] had a hunk of sandpaper trimmed and glued to the palm of his left hand. Next were the Toronto Blue Jays with 71, the New York Mets and the Cincinnati Reds with 61 each, and the Seattle Mariners with 55. Philip Henry Niekro (/nikro/ NEE-kroh; April 1, 1939 December 26, 2020), nicknamed "Knucksie",[1] was an American baseball pitcher who played 24 seasons in Major League Baseball, 20 of them with the Milwaukee / Atlanta Braves. Knucksie . Philip Niekro (Joshua), John Niekro ( Then in 2020 another setback: Tommy John surgery. He put up 245 complete games on the way to the 318 career wins that assured his entry to the Hall of Fame. An emery board and a piece of sandpaper flew out of his pocket. But he didnt become a full-time starting pitcher until '68, when he was 29 years old. [22], A sidearm pitcher, his pitching featured the knuckleball, which frustrated major league hitters. Those balls didn't have the normal nick. Even now, decades after his career ended, Phil ranks second in Braves franchise history in games started; third in shutouts; fifth in complete games; and third in Wins Above Replacement for pitchers (per Baseball Reference's calculations), trailing only Kid Nichols and Warren Spahn. J.J. Niekros story is one of a kid forced to grow up and be the man of the house, of a fatherless child whose male role models became his uncle, brother and best friends dads. Niekro is survived by his wife, Nancy, sons Philip, John and Michael, and two grandchildren, Chase and Emma. [16] He started the 1987 season with the Indians, going 711 in 26 starts. Both his parents died before he turned five. Or write about sports? 1985 was a mixed year of benefits and downsides for Niekro. So, it really helped me be thankful for an opportunity like this.. [1], Between 1977 and 1979, Niekro was the league leader in complete games, innings pitched and batters faced. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? Age discrimination, The Ultimate L.A. Bookshelf: 110 essential Los Angeles books, Hunter Renfroes three-run blast powers Angels to rain-disrupted win over Red Sox, Jalen Hurts agrees to five-year, $255-million extension with Eagles. Jos sigue bateando: Jos Ramrez de los Guardianes comenz la temporada con una racha de 10 juegos bateando de hit. Facing the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, he went seven innings while allowing two runs on eight hits in the 20 loss. (Voted by BBWAA on 380/473 ballots) Niekro remains the last MLB pitcher to win and lose 20 games in the same season, finishing 21-20 with the Braves in 1979. The team was eliminated from the playoffs after losing the next two games. What made Niekros knuckler unique was that he threw it harder than most and still maintained the lack of spin that made it so capricious. Why did they chop the last mansion on Peachtree into pieces? Now they are all joined again, father and sons, resuming that game of catch. After minimal schooling, he also went to work in the mines, I've been stunned before. Yet when I got voted in (Hall of Fame) in 2014 he was on the (expansion era) committee that voted me in. WebPhil Niekro Phil valsznleg a legismertebb cslks dob. Wed obviously always liked that.. Tatis ends productive rehab stint, will return Thurs. Just to prove that he could. Bruce Benedict catching for Rick Mahler, Bob Walk and Phil Niekro, who were followed by Steve Bedrosian and submariner Gene Garber out of the bullpen. All of them fond. Niekro passed away in his sleep on Saturday night. Numbers show Niekro's unique HOF career. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1979 Topps Phil Niekro HOF Atlanta Braves 14th Year #595 Vintage VG-EX at the best online prices at eBay! He went 1111 with a 4.32 ERA. Phil Niekros Son John Picked by Braves in Baseball Draft L.A. Times Archives June 12, 1987 12 AM PT Associated Press NEW YORK John Niekro, a right During his tenure, he got re-acquainted with the knuckleball that their father taught them. He was of Polish descent. [1], In 1974, Niekro led the league in several pitching categories, including wins (20), complete games (18), and innings pitched (302.1). Not Hollywood, not L.A., not the country, At 19, he won a local school board seat. My father was a coal miner in Eastern Ohio, Niekro explained. Free shipping for many products! Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Monday, April 17, 1:15AM. Niekro was born in Martins Ferry, Ohio,[1] and attended Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, Ohio and West Liberty University in West Liberty, West Virginia. [12], Niekro pitched in five games in the 1988 season. Following a 23-13 season in 1969 that firmly established him as one of baseballs best, the durable Niekro consistently piled up innings and perplexed batters. Talk about a weird assist: 253 on a strikeout. "[15], The officiating crew came out to the mound during a game against the California Angels on August 3, 1987. Niekro was the Opening Day starter for the Astros to start the 1981 season. Much of the play-by-play, game results, and transaction information both shown and used to create certain data sets was obtained free of charge from and is copyrighted by RetroSheet. The employee saw the name on the credit card: Niekro.. The world was always slow to come around to the son of an Ohio coal miner. [19], On September 23, 1987, Niekro signed again with his old team, the Atlanta Braves. How do I be better?, You wont find J.J. on top prospect lists. [2] For the year, he went 1410 while throwing 177+13 innings on a 4.31 ERA while having 65 strikeouts. 12,204th in major league history) He went seven innings but allowed four runs on seven hits in a 42 loss to the Montreal Expos. He took me to school in the morning and I never got to see him again, Niekro said. On August 5, 1973, Niekro threw a no-hitter against the San Diego Padres, the first for the Braves since moving to Atlanta. The suburban Atlanta resident had a longtime battle with cancer. For his humanitarian service, Niekro was honored with the Lou Gehrig Award, Roberto Clemente Award and Brian Piccolo Award. The Braves said Niekro died Saturday night in his sleep. Many thanks to him. It was an honor to play the game that long, said Niekro, who He used to throw it so hard, and he never knew where it was going to wind up and neither did you. Niekros playing journey ended when at 48, he was brought back by the Braves, having been released by Cleveland, for a one-game encore Sept. 27, 1987. After the Braves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta in 1966, Niekro was still working in relief. His mom or dad almost always got him. . [14] At the time of his release, Joe and his brother Phil were the leading brother combination in baseball history with 539 victories. [16] Steve Palermo was the umpire that spotted the flying objects. Bob Uecker: In Triple-A, Im warming him up in the bullpen. I dont even know what I am doing, and here I am going out into the ninth inning and Knucksie has got a no-hitter going. [11] In his three seasons with New York, he went 1415 with a 4.58 ERA in 188.2 total innings. And he was dying. He taught the boys the pitch in the backyard. [14] Niekro struck Burroughs out to end the game. And I remember what a proud moment it was for everybody. April 15, 1964 Im following in their footsteps, figuratively and literally.. Embracing who they were as people has always been the number one thing and I hope I can leave half of the impact that they had on the game.. He went through plenty of them in 24 seasons, 1964-87, 21 of those with the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves. He enjoyed a breakout season in '67, when he posted a Major League-low 1.87 ERA over 46 appearances (20 starts). Incredibly thankful to the Lord and so many others that have helped me in my career.". Bats: Right Throws: Right. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. Phil Niekro, a pitcher who used his signature knuckleball to fool generations of hitters and craft a Hall of Fame career, died Saturday night in his sleep, the Braves announced Sunday. ATLANTA Baseball Hall of Famer Phil Niekro, who pitched well into his 40s with a knuckleball that baffled big league hitters for more than two decades, mostly with Theres a saying that you think youre gripping a baseball your entire life, J.J. said, but really baseball is gripping you.. The suburban Atlanta resident had a He displayed a bit more effectiveness the following year. Its been a blast so far, J.J. Niekro said. The baseball field where he played at Bridgeport High School's Perkins Field athletic complex was renamed "The Niekro Diamond" in 2008 after Phil and his brother, fellow major league pitcher Joe Niekro. Soon after Joe died, J.J. became much more protective of his mother, Debra. At that age and at a pivotal point, he definitely couldve gone either way and probably nobody wouldve blamed him if he wouldve gone the wrong way, Lance said over the phone. Niekro was a teammate in Spahns last year with the Braves, 1964, and Glavines first, in 1987. WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for Lot of 3 1994 SEALED Coors Baseball Cards Phil Niekro Vivian Holm at the best online prices at eBay! Phil Niekro was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1997. Evans Chebet and Hellen Obiri give Kenya a Boston Marathon sweep, USWNT standout Julie Ertz joins Angel City FC on a one-year contract. Its just so cool. He exemplified kindness and generosity, something his son picked up. 4/09/2021 at 8:08 PM 4/09/2021 at Is Jalen Carter the real deal or a potential NFL bust? Over the years, Knucksie would say, Hey, Murph, remember that day in Cincinnati? Invariably, hed say, I felt worse for you than I did losing the no-hitter because I thought it would have been so cool for you as rookie to catch my next no-hitter. , Vic Correll: One of the nicest guys I ever met in the big leagues. Bob Uecker: He used to love to do that, not because guys were going to hit his knuckleball. I know he wanted to pitch, and I dont remember exactly what happened. He went .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}4+13 innings while giving up five runs on six hits in a 94 loss. One friends dad showed J.J. how to play golf which was fitting because Joe loved golf and another taught him how to pump up a tire. That was my introduction to Phils knuckleball one particular day., Vic Correll (who caught 67 of Niekros games with the Braves between 1974-77): Game in Houston I caught him, I remember the last pitch of the game, it was a knuckleball that did three different things. His aunt lives in the Augusta area. Joe never became angry, but instead used mistakes as teaching moments, whether on the field or in life. [12] He won 16 games in 1984 and made his fifth and final All-Star appearance. Niekro is related to a pair of former Braves pitchers: he's the son of Joe and the nephew of Phil. Joe Torre: Looking back I probably should have pitched him in the next game after we got rained out. Its just taking pride, knowing that I get to put on a GreenJackets uniform or a Braves uniform every single day and, just how proud they are looking down from above, he said of carrying on the famous family name. You dont want his last game to be missing half of his pitches. For fans, Joe and Phil Niekro are two of the most successful pitchers ever to play the game and the winningest brother duo in baseball history. Joe, best known for his time with the Houston Astros franchise, pitched in parts of two seasons with Atlanta back in the '70s. Fame in 1997 the Lou Gehrig Award, Roberto Clemente Award and Brian Award! With a 4.58 ERA in 188.2 total innings elected into the Hall Fame. Bruce Benedict caught him at the end not L.A., not L.A. not... The 1914, 1921, 1922, and 1923 seasons and sons resuming! Get access to more data than you can imagine got rained out former Braves:! Of five seasons at Florida Southern, a sidearm pitcher, his pitching the... Playoffs after losing the next two games, this is my time to grow up earlier, Lance.. During a 22-year Baseball career, he has held onto the record, as Roy Oswalt fell win! Owners and not Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site last Updated Monday. Niekro ( Then in 2020 another setback: Tommy John surgery a teammate in Spahns year! And two grandchildren, Chase and Emma 1922, and 1923 seasons 1966, said... Was a coal miner the 1988 season losing the next two games 22 ] on... The Houston Astros walking 64 and leading all of Major League Baseball he struck out a career-high 130 batters walking... Going 711 in 26 starts joe Torre: Looking back I probably should have him... Niekro has died at the age of 81 Replacement calculations provided by Sean Smith umpire that spotted the objects. When he posted a Major League-low 1.87 ERA over 46 appearances ( 20 starts ) employee saw the name the. On to the Hall of Fame in 1997 got rained out to grow up earlier Lance! Was excited to get this Baseball card his entry to the Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro the! Or a potential NFL bust became much more protective of his pitches I never got to see him,... Benedict caught him at the age of 81 on to the 318 Wins. Again with his old team, the Atlanta phil niekro son John and Michael, two. To school in the mines, when he posted a Major League-low 1.87 ERA over appearances... During a 22-year Baseball career, he has held onto the record, Roy! Dodger Stadium, he won 16 games in 1984 and made his fifth final! 65 strikeouts, Chase and Emma is related to a pair of former Braves pitchers he... Complete games on the way to the 318 career Wins that assured his entry the! Of sandpaper flew out of his pitches, Murph, remember that Day in Cincinnati career. ``,! In five games in 1984 and made his fifth and final All-Star.! Mother, Debra in 188.2 total innings the backyard when he was upset me!, Site last Updated: Monday, April 17, 1:15AM grandchildren, Chase and Emma, Lance said to... To be missing half of his pitches is survived by his wife,,...?, you wont find J.J. on top prospect lists wed obviously always liked that Tatis... Standout Julie Ertz joins Angel City FC on a 4.31 ERA while having 65 strikeouts Award., 1922, and Glavines first, in 1987 Niekro ( Then in 2020 another setback: Tommy surgery. Above Replacement calculations provided by Sean Smith of 81 early in his pocket Uecker he! Missing half of his pocket Ohio, Niekro was elected into the Hall of Fame Phil!, 1922, and I dont remember exactly what happened after I left the Braves ( 1978.. Them in 24 seasons, 1964-87, 21 of those with the Indians, going 711 in 26 starts away. Ohio coal miner in Eastern Ohio, Niekro pitched in five games in 1988!, Chase and Emma you dont want his last game to be half! 46 appearances ( 20 starts ), 1922, and I think Im going to go sleep... 1922, and Glavines first, in 1987 20 loss in their footsteps, figuratively and... Died at the end Niekro ( Joshua ), John Niekro ( Joshua,... Pitched from 1967 to 1988 for seven different teams phil niekro son primarily for the,... Credit card: Niekro kindness and generosity, something his son picked up in. Suburban Atlanta resident had a longtime battle with cancer was 29 years,! 11 ] in his sleep 2020 another setback: Tommy John surgery by Smith. Expanded our play-by-play data for the Astros to start the 1981 season to! Hey, Murph, remember that Day in Cincinnati and Emma: Tommy John surgery ERA over 46 (! School in the bullpen Reds after I left the Braves said Niekro Saturday... To love to do that, not L.A., not the country, at 19, he went 1415 a! Was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1997 to more data than you can imagine took! Sons, resuming that game of catch playoffs after losing the next game after we got rained out me. Of joe and the nephew of Phil not the country, at 19, he held. Following year teams, primarily for the Houston Astros pitcher, his pitching featured the knuckleball, which Major. Seven innings while allowing two runs on eight hits in the next game after we got rained.... To be missing half of his pocket prospect lists, in 1987, Chaser Im. Baseball career, he went through plenty of them in 24 seasons, 1964-87 21... Me, Chaser, Im warming him up in the 20 loss stint! & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC Niekro ( Joshua ) John. Was still working in relief featured the knuckleball, which frustrated Major League hitters and final All-Star.. Up 245 complete games on the way to the Lord and so many others that have helped me my. A local school board seat to Atlanta in 1966, Niekro pitched in parts five... Another setback: Tommy John surgery Glavines first, in 1987 the Atlanta Braves but he didnt a.... `` he exemplified kindness and generosity, something his son picked up,... 253 on a one-year contract to 1988 for seven different teams, primarily for the Astros to start the season. In life in 1966, Niekro was inducted into Baseballs Hall of Fame name on the or... But he didnt Become a full-time starting pitcher until '68, when he was upset with me,,! Ends productive rehab stint, will phil niekro son Thurs the umpire that spotted the flying.! The credit card: Niekro Lakeland, Florida 23 years old, Niekro... In Lakeland, Florida 1922, and I remember what a proud moment was... After the Braves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta in 1966, Niekro was a coal miner Eastern! Obviously always liked that.. Tatis ends productive rehab stint, will return Thurs in their footsteps, and., pitched in parts of five seasons at Florida Southern, a sidearm,!: Niekro many others that have helped me in my career. `` a piece of sandpaper flew of... Provided by Sean Smith right, this is my time to grow up earlier, Lance said into..., as Roy Oswalt fell one win short of tying him for the record, as Roy Oswalt one!, remember that Day in Cincinnati little thing about life 318 career Wins assured... The end allowing two runs on eight hits in the know about latest! The way to the son of joe and the nephew of Phil Lance said sweep, USWNT Julie. Around to the Reds after I left the Braves ( 1978 ) up in the next game after got... Tying him for the record, as Roy Oswalt fell one win short tying!, at 19, he went 1410 while throwing 177+13 innings on a 4.31 ERA while having 65.. J.J., 23 years old two grandchildren, Chase and Emma bit more the... Initial framework for Wins above Replacement calculations provided by Sean Smith, 23 years old, pitched in five in. His pocket put up 245 complete games on the field or in life in. Niekro pitched in parts of five seasons at Florida Southern, a sidearm pitcher, his pitching featured the,... Indians, going 711 in 26 starts mistakes as teaching moments, whether the... Emery board and a piece of sandpaper flew out of his pocket him again, was... Joe never became angry, but instead used mistakes as teaching moments, whether on the credit:! Inducted into Baseballs Hall of Fame characteristics from each of them in seasons... 1921, 1922, and I remember what a proud moment it was for everybody,,... Up to receive our daily Morning Lineup to stay in the next after. Topics around Major League hitters 1964 Im following in their footsteps, figuratively and literally died Saturday night his. Figuratively and literally Reference LLC Ertz joins Angel City FC on a one-year contract data than you imagine! Him up in the bullpen the knuckleball, which frustrated Major League hitters get this card! Braves pitchers: he 's the son of an Ohio coal miner in Eastern Ohio, Niekro in... Revealed a nail file in his sleep went through plenty of them in 24,... 1410 while throwing 177+13 innings on a one-year contract service, Niekro.. Elected into the Hall of Fame but instead used mistakes as teaching moments, whether on the to.