Joe Niekro Dies
Posted by Slobokan @ 10:25 · 166 words · print
Joe Niekro, a knuckleball pitcher who came from obscurity to become the Astros' all-time leading winner, died Friday.
Niekro, 61, suffered a brain aneurysm Thursday night at his home in Plant City, Fla., and died Friday at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, Fla.
The younger brother of Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro, Joe Niekro pitched 22 seasons in the majors. He retired in 1988 with a lifetime record of 221-204.
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Niekro's son, Lance, 27, is a first baseman with the San Francisco Giants. After seeing his son in a major-league uniform for the first time, Joe Niekro was quoted by the San Francisco Chronicle as saying: "Just to see that name on the back of a major-league uniform, on a major- league field, is a big thrill."
In addition to Lance, Niekro is survived by a daughter, Natalie, who lives in Scottsdale, Ariz., and is planning to be married on Dec. 9. In addition, Niekro is survived by his second wife, Debbie, and a 9-year-old son.
Posted In: Obituaries
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