Who Is Phil Niekro? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Phil Niekro, born on April 1, 1939, was a prominent American baseball player renowned for his exceptional skills as a pitcher. He played 24 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1964 to 1987, primarily with the Atlanta Braves and the New York Yankees. Niekro was celebrated for his knuckleball technique, which contributed significantly to his success on the mound. He passed away on December 26, 2020, but remains an iconic figure in baseball history.
| Occupation | Baseball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 1, 1939 |
| Age | 81 Years |
| Birth Place | Blaine, Ohio, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | Georgia |
| Date of death | 26 December, 2020 |
| Died Place | Flowery Branch, Georgia, U.S. |
Popularity
Phil Niekro's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
At the time of his career, Phil Niekro stood at an impressive height of 6 feet (1.83 m) and weighed around 190 pounds (86 kg). His athletic build and flexibility were instrumental in his ability to throw the knuckleball, a pitch known for its unpredictable movement.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Phil Niekro was married to his wife, Nancy, for several decades until his passing. The couple had a close-knit family and were known for their commitment to one another. Niekro cherished his time with his family, including his children and grandchildren, who often spoke about his influence both on and off the field.
Niekro's long-standing marriage and family ties highlight his stability and values in an often tumultuous world of professional sports.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Phil Niekro had an estimated net worth of around $10 million. This wealth was accumulated through his rewarding baseball career, endorsements, and numerous opportunities in the sports industry post-retirement. In his prime, Niekro’s contracts with various MLB teams contributed significantly to his earnings, showcasing his value as a top-tier pitcher.
Career, Business, and Investments
Phil Niekro's baseball career is marked by numerous accolades, including being a five-time All-Star, a two-time 20-game winner, and eventually being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997. After retiring from playing, Niekro remained involved in baseball, working as a coach and a commentator.
In addition to his baseball endeavors, Niekro was known for his astute investments, particularly in real estate, which further contributed to his financial success. He also participated in charity work, using his platform to help others and give back to the community.
During his career, Niekro was selected to five All-Star teams, led the National League in victories twice (in 1974 and 1979), led the major leagues in earned run average once (in 1967), and won the National League Gold Glove Award five times.
As of 2024, Niekro ranks 16th on MLB's all-time wins list with 318 career victories; as of 2024, he is the only knuckleballer to win 300 or more major league games. Niekro and his younger brother Joe amassed 539 wins between them; as of 2013, the Niekros had the most combined wins by brothers in baseball history.
As of 2023, Niekro also holds the major league record with 121 career victories after the age of 40.
Social Network
Phil Niekro maintained a relatively low-key presence on social media, focusing more on his contributions to baseball and less on personal branding. However, his legacy continues to be celebrated through various sports networks and tributes by fans, keeping his memory alive within the baseball community.
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. He set a major league record by playing 24 seasons in the major leagues without a World Series appearance. His total of 5,404 1/3 innings pitched is the most by any pitcher in the post-1920 live-ball era.
Education
Phil Niekro attended Mechanicsburg High School in Pennsylvania and later played college baseball at Bridgeport University. His education and early exposure to the game laid a strong foundation for his illustrious career in Major League Baseball.
He was of Polish descent. He attended Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, Ohio, and was a boyhood friend of Basketball Hall-of-Famer John Havlicek.
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. The brothers were the sons of a coal miner who had pitched semi-pro baseball and learned to throw a knuckleball from another coal miner.
He taught the boys the pitch in the backyard. In addition, Phil played American Legion Baseball.
