Phil Niekro

Phil Niekro, born on April 1, 1939, is celebrated as one of the greatest knuckleball pitchers in the history of Major League Baseball. Over his illustrious career, he played for several teams, including the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays. Niekro's mastery of the knuckleball set him apart, earning him a revered place in the annals of baseball.

Throughout his time in the league, Niekro was selected to five All-Star teams and led the National League in victories on two occasions, specifically in 1974 and 1979. His exceptional skills were further highlighted in 1967 when he led all major leagues in earned run average. Niekro's defensive prowess was recognized with five National League Gold Glove Awards, showcasing his all-around talent on the mound.

As of 2025, Niekro ranks sixteenth on MLB's all-time wins list with three hundred eighteen career victories, making him the only knuckleball pitcher to achieve over three hundred wins in major league history. Alongside his younger brother Joe, the Niekro siblings collectively amassed five hundred thirty-nine wins, a record for the most combined wins by brothers in baseball history as of 2013. Notably, Niekro also holds the major league record for one hundred twenty-one career victories after the age of forty.

In recognition of his remarkable contributions to the sport, Phil Niekro was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997, solidifying his legacy as a true icon of baseball.