Phil Niekro has died. Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Braves Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro dies at 81

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 12/27/20

Legendary Major League Baseball pitcher Phil Niekro died on Saturday night at the age of 81, the league announced Sunday.

"Phil Niekro was one of the most distinctive and memorable pitchers of his generation," MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. "In the last century, no pitcher threw more than Phil's 5,404 innings. His knuckleball led him to five All-Star selections, three 20-win seasons for the Atlanta Braves, the 300-win club, and ultimately, to Cooperstown.

"But even more than his signature pitch and trademark durability, Phil will be remembered as one of our game's most genial people," Manfred continued. "He always represented his sport extraordinarily well, and he will be deeply missed. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my condolences to Phil's family, friends and the many fans he earned throughout his life in our National Pastime."

We mourn the passing of Hall of Famer Phil Niekro, a 5-time All-Star and 5-time Gold Glove winner. He was 81. pic.twitter.com/WMs9wXDBm5
— MLB (@MLB) December 27, 2020

Niekro played from 1964 to '87 for the Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians and Toronto Blue Jays. He spent 21 seasons with the Braves and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997.

In 24 total seasons, Niekro went 318-274 with a 3.35 ERA, 3,342 strikeouts and 245 complete games in 5,404 innings. He was a five-time All-Star, five-time Gold Glove winner, Roberto Clemente Award winner (1980), two-time National League wins leader, MLB ERA leader (1967) and NL strikeout leader (1977).

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