He pitched six innings of Game 2 and left with a 32 lead. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? He played most of his many seasons with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves alongside brief stops with the Yankees, Blue Jays, and Cleveland. Phil Knucksie Niekro used his expertise with the knuckleball pitch to win 318 games during a Hall of Fame career. He pitched in the major leagues from 1964 to 1987. Niekro was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997 and served on the Museums Board of Directors since 2009. After the season, the Braves released him.[11]. Sun 27 Dec 2020 13.34 EST. Rich in anecdotes and interviews, this book shares the unique stories of Hoyt Wilhelm, Phil Niekro, Jim Bouton, Tom Candiotti, Tim Wakefield, R.A. Dickey, and many others. "They may not be intimidated by them, but they sure are thinking about them before they go into the box.". The air flow over a seam of the ball causes the ball to change from laminar to turbulent flow. ATLANTA (AP) Phil Niekro threw a pitch that baffled hitters and catchers. He spent six long years in the minor leagues, and once he got to the majors his fluttering knuckleball never lit up the radar gun. [28], Niekro was a member of the board of directors for Kiz Toys, a toy company based out of Cumming, Georgia, and Niekro advised the company on the KizSport baseball line, reviewing product designs and development. It does not need to be thrown hard (in fact, throwing too hard may diminish its effectiveness), and is therefore less taxing on the arm. The Niekro brothers would face each other nine times in their career, with Joe's team winning five. Phil and Joe, known as "Knucksie" and "Little Knucksie," respectively, learned well, going on to pitch a total of 46 major league seasons, earn six All-Star Game berths and, in perhaps their proudest achievement, combine for 539 victories. How tall was Phil Niekro? [12] Niekro was given the nickname "Knucksie" during his career. He was 81. [1] He was released by the Yankees before the 1986 season started. [20] On September 27, he made his final start of his career, pitching three innings and surrendering five runs in the no-decision. The fingertip grip is more commonly used today by knuckleball pitchers, like retired Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield, who had a knuckleball with a lot of movement. A knuckleball or knuckler is a baseball pitch thrown to minimize the spin of the ball in flight, causing an erratic, unpredictable motion. Some high school data is courtesy David McWater. The obituaries for Phil Niekro, who died of cancer at age 81 on Dec. 26, focused on his legendary knuckleball.In the Ohio Valley, the Appalachian mining country southwest of Pittsburgh where "Knucksie" grew up, the Hall of Famer is also remembered as a loyal friend, enthusiastic booster, and son and grandson of hardworking Polish coalminers who lived a thrilling American dream. Hij doelde daarmee op top-knuckleballers in de Major League als Tim Wakefield en Phil Niekro . As I discussed earlier, there are a few different ways to grip the knuckleball. [32] For a catcher, a key disadvantage to using a first baseman's glove mitt is that they are not designed for easy extraction of the ball from the glove, making it harder to prevent baserunners from stealing. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Perplexed catchers and managers wary of passed balls and wild pitches were reasons often cited for Niekro's extended stay in the Braves' minor league system. There will be a period when they will beat the daylights out of you. Niekro started Game One of the subsequent 1982 National League Championship Series against the St. Louis Cardinals and pitched well, but the game was called on account of rain just before it became official. Uecker acknowledged he did a lot of chasing. [8], Niekro led the league with a 1.87 ERA in 1967, earning an 119 record with 10 complete games and 9 saves. [10] Another reason for the difficulty of the knuckleball is due to the network effect. Popular categories from this store. The brothers were the sons of a coal miner[5] who had pitched semi-pro baseball and learned to throw a knuckleball from another coal miner. [14] Niekro struck Burroughs out to end the game. He found both in 1967, when he was united with Bob Uecker, a veteran reserve backstop with many quips and sage advice. But after 318 career victories over 24 big league seasons, Niekro was rewarded with the ultimate honor in Cooperstown. This change adds a deflecting force to the baseball, making it difficult for batters to hit but also difficult for pitchers to control and catchers to catch; umpires are challenged as well, as the ball's irregular motion through the air makes it harder to call balls and strikes. 2. He won the National League Gold Glove Award five times, was selected to five All-Star teams, and led the league in victories twice and earned run average once. Phil Niekro weighed 180 lbs (81 kg) when playing. Niekro was born in Blaine, Ohio, and grew up in Lansing, Ohio, the son of Henrietta (Klinkoski) and Philip Niekro. inFlowery Branch,GA, Buried: In association football (soccer), the method of striking the ball so that it produces almost no spinning motion during its flight has been colloquially described as "knuckleballing" by commentators, due to the ball's motion that resembles a baseball thrown with a knuckleball pitch. Only Cy Young, "Pud" Galvin and Walter Johnson pitched more innings than Niekro's 5,404. He spent the next season with the Class AA Austin Senators. Phil Niekro was a legendary Hall of Fame pitcher known for his knuckleball pitch, who played for the Braves most of his career. Find out more. Joe Niekro died in 2006 at age 61. Their win total still stands as a major league record for siblings, as they surpassed another brother combination featuring a Hall of Famer: Gaylord and Jim Perry (529 wins combined). Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro has died at the age of 81 after a battle with cancer, the Atlanta Braves announced on Sunday. "Very few pitchers make a living throwing the knuckleball," says Sain, "simply because they can't make it work. He was known for his knuckleball, and had a career record of 318-274. I don't think of his Hall of Fame plaque. A pitch thrown completely without spin is less desirable, however, than one with a very slight spin. Phil Niekro, the only knuckleball pitcher to win 300 Major League Baseball games, died in his sleep Saturday night after a long battle with cancer, the Atlanta Braves announced. [6], Niekro signed with the Milwaukee Braves in 1959 for $250 ($2,324 in current dollar terms). Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Get breaking news alerts& today's headlines inyour inbox. Failed to subscribe, please contact admin. He surrendered a league-leading 40 home runs that year, a feat he would not repeat until 1979. Niekro and his family supported the students of Bridgeport High School with the proceeds from the annual golf tournament "The Niekro Classic". Seams have texture. For the 2012 documentary film, see, position players making pitching appearances, Game 5 of the 2004 American League Championship Series, "The Physics of Baseball: Knuckleball Research", "I am 2-time NL MVP Dale Murphy, former MLB player for the Braves, Phillies and Rockies. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. He was the master of the most uncontrollable pitch baseball has ever seen an offering so confusing that its name, the knuckleball, is actually a misnomer. . Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Saturday, March 4, 12:52AM. He'd made a living escaping such jams with a knuckleball that would . Phil, trying for a fifth time to win No. Niekro joined Al Kaline, Tom Seaver, Lou Brock, Bob Gibson . 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. And its the most unstable friend that youll ever have. He emerged from Ohio coal mine country as a conventional pitching prospect, signing with the Braves in 1958 but resisting the knuckleball until a minor league manager told him to throw the knuckler or go home., (My father) taught it to me in the backyard, Niekro said. He looks much older. He would say later that he wanted to prove he was a pitcher, not just a knuckleballer. (Parker Fish/National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum) His skill on the mound was surpassed perhaps only by his good humor and kind nature, which won him friends throughout baseball and the world. This is the magical village of the U.S.A., Craig Muder is the director of communications for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. 5.0. I just didn't prepare myself this year. Through Sunday he was 7-2, with an American League-leading ERA of 1.20. This shooting technique is frequently used by players for long-range shots and free kicks. He's the toast of two towns, New York andha-haAtlanta, and he has even been dubbed St. Knucksie. Heck, he didn't even know where it was going most of the time. (Parker Fish/National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum), Brothers Joe (left) and Phil Niekro squared off against one another on July 4, 1967 in a game won by Phil's Atlanta Braves against the Chicago Cubs, 8-3. Phil Niekro (19392020), legendary knuckleball pitcher. Check out some of his best highlights here!Don't forget to subscribe! [1], In 1983, he went 1110 and won his fifth Gold Glove Award. Exceeded rookie limits during 1965 season, View Player Bio [12] He won 16 games in 1984 and made his fifth and final All-Star appearance. That edge was made possible by a game-winning home run Phil gave up to Joe, the only homer Joe hit in his 22-year career. The knuckleball is radically different from any other pitch in a pitcher's arsenal, being less predictable and difficult to control. The nice thing about Phil Niekro is, he doesn't look his age. In volleyball, the float serve involves hitting the volleyball in such a way to minimize the rotation of the ball, causing unpredictability in the ball's movement. Phil Niekro weighed 180 lbs (81 kg) when playing. Check out some of his b. Niekro taught his nephew Lance Niekro to throw a knuckleball after Lance's unsuccessful stints as a power-hitting first base prospect with the San Francisco Giants. Mr. Niekro's longevity in a game that can be unforgiving for players who lose their timing, great eyesight, speed and ability to throw as they age is simply remarkable. When was Phil Niekro born? The way to catch a knuckleball is to wait until it stops rolling and pick it up. While learning to trust the pitch which is pushed toward home plate without any spin, allowing air currents to move the ball unpredictably Niekro ascended through the Braves minor league system. Phil Niekro pitched a no-hitter in 1973 but his most memorable game with the Braves came in 1982, when the team started the season with 13 consecutive wins and . His success eventually forced the team to take a chance on a knuckleballer as a starting pitcher. AMA! "[24] Catcher Bob Uecker was also frustrated by the pitch at times, saying, "Niekro struck out a hitter once and I never touched the ball. Pitching coaches often struggle with knuckleball pitchers due to a lack of experience with the pitch. They clawed against each other as mound opponents, with Joe defeating his big brother 5-4 in their careers. Since it typically only travels 60 to 70 miles per hour (97 to 113km/h),[7] far slower than the average major league fastball 85 to 95 miles per hour (137 to 153km/h), it can be hit very hard if there is no movement. Baseball Hall of Famer Phil Niekro holds a knuckleball at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland in 2017. Phil Niekro was born on April 1, 1939. Some knuckleballers have continued to pitch professionally well into their forties: Tim Wakefield, Hoyt Wilhelm, R. A. Dickey, Charlie Hough, Tom Candiotti, and the brothers Phil Niekro and Joe Niekro. "But even more than his signature pitch and trademark durability, Phil will be remembered as one of our game's most genial people. Phil Niekro signs autographs for fans in Cooperstown at the 2011 Hall of Fame Parade of Legends. He finished the 1985 season with a 1612 record, the final time he won 15 or more games in a single season. Taking a fly swatter to the batter's box would have worked just as well. [15][16], Perhaps as a result, knuckleball pitchers often view themselves as members of an exclusive club, with its own uniform number (49, first worn by Wilhelm) and leader (Phil Niekro, whom The New Yorker in 2004 called "the undisputed Grand Poobah" of the group after Wilhelm's death). If staying in the majors could be owed to the knuckler, the same factor might also explain Niekro's initial difficulty in reaching the big leagues. It was a career summed up by his dedication to a pitch that can be as confounding as it is unhittable. This couldnt be farther from the truth. 1978 Topps Nolan Ryan Phil Niekro Strikeout Leaders #206 NM HOF Nice Card! The first is selection bias in scouting. It speculates that the appearance of abrupt shifting may be due to the unpredictability of the changes in direction.[9]. He was a key contributor to the Braves winning their only two division titles before 1991. Niekro p He would go on for two more decades living inside hitters' heads. By all accounts, Niekro, like Murphy and legendary former Braves manager Bobby Cox Niekro's manager from 1978-81 and the general manager when the Braves brought Niekro back in 1987 are . He reinvented pitching by adding this slow, crazy moving pitch. Niekro, who pitched well into his 40s with a knuckleball that baffled big league hitters for more than two decades . Toad Ramsey, a pitcher from 1885 to 1890, is credited in some later sources with being the first knuckleballer, apparently based primarily on accounts of how he gripped the ball; however, based on more contemporary descriptions of his pitch as an "immense drop ball", it may be that his pitch was a form of knuckle curve. [10] This effect is increasing over time as the modern game continues to emphasize power in pitching and average pitch speed increases.[11]. Joe Niekro. [30] The "knuckleball catcher" is equipped with an oversized knuckleball catcher's mitt,[31] similar to a first baseman's glove; Doug Mirabelli, formerly of the Red Sox, used a softball catcher's mitt. How many seasons did Phil Niekro play? [22], A sidearm pitcher, his pitching featured the knuckleball, which frustrated major league hitters. Do you have a blog? Phil's 121 career victories after the age of 40 is a major league record. April 1, 1939 Since it developed during a period when the spitball was legal and commonly used, and was similarly surprising in its motion, the knuckleball was sometimes called the "dry spitter". It was Oct. 6, 1985, the final day of the season. https://www.mlb.com/ [16] He started the 1987 season with the Indians, going 711 in 26 starts. Reserve your tickets, map your route, and work out all the details for your arrival in Cooperstown. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. Scores from any date in Major League history, Minor, Foreign, College, & Black Baseball, Frequently Asked Questions about MLB and Baseball, Subscribe to Stathead Baseball: Get your first month FREE. Aug. 30, 1987 12 AM PT. Other names for the knuckleball have generally alluded to its motion and slower speed. This modern pitch is unrelated to the knuckleball. The origins of the knuckleball are unclear. "Ueck told me if I was ever going to be a winner to throw the knuckleball at all times and he would try to catch it," Niekro said. Phil Niekro pitched a no . By ESPN.com news services. Niekro was the king of the knuckleballers, ranking first in victories and strikeouts (3,342). Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Twenty years after he broke into the majors, 45-year-old starter Phil Niekro deals a knuckleball against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium, Aug. 8, 1984. Bases loaded, nobody out, a lead slipping away. Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player in 1997. Though Phil and Joe Niekro did twice team together, with the 1973-74 Braves and the 1985 Yankees, the two self-declared best friends were more often friendly rivals. On occasion, teams have traded knuckleball pitchers and their catchers in the same transaction. "He simply destroys your timing with that knuckleball," said Hall of Famer Ernie Banks. [9] He appeared in 37 games, finishing with a 1412 record and 15 complete games. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. Over more than a decade of serving as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Hall of Fame, his wisdom, his compassion, and his love for the game proved to be invaluable in helping us shape our decisions. And take a look at your grip. Phil Niekro was one of thirty-seven men to take the field for the 1965 Milwaukee Braves, the last year they existed (1953-1965) before moving to Atlanta.When Knucksie hung up his cleats in 1987, he was the last active player from the former team.. Phil Niekro, on July 29, 1977, joined the 4 Strikeouts in 1 Inning "club" - the first (known / located) instance by a Braves pitcher. In the finale, manager Billy Martin handed pitching coach duties to Joe Niekro and the ball to Phil Niekro. Over the distance from the pitcher's mound to home plate, the effect of these forces is that the knuckleball can flutter, dance, jiggle, or curve in two different directions during its flight. None of them succeeded to the extent . He was the best knuckleball pitcher in baseball history. Our hearts go out to Nancy Niekro, the kids and grandkids. The team was eliminated from the playoffs after losing the next two games. A trip to Cooperstown has something for baseball fans and everyone else. FILE - In this 1970 file photo, Atlanta Braves' Phil Niekro poses for a photo. He attended Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, Ohio, and was a boyhood friend of Basketball Hall-of-Famer John Havlicek. A knuckleball is thrown with normal arm action, but the wrist remains stiff until the baseball has completely left the hand. He missed the 1963 season due to military service. Jean Faut (19252023), AAGPBL pitcher with two perfect Bob Richards (19262023), first athlete featured on Wheaties Greg Foster (19582023), world champion hurdler, Tom Sizemore (19612023), actor in Saving Private Ryan, Heat, Jerry Richardson (19362023), Carolina Panthers founder, Wayne Shorter (19332023), jazz saxophonist who co-founded Weather Report, Jean Faut (19252023), AAGPBL pitcher with two perfect games, Bob Richards (19262023), first athlete featured on Wheaties boxes, Greta Andersen (19272023), Olympic swimming champion. Ueck told me if I was ever going to be a winner to throw the knuckleball at all times and he would try to catch it. It feels comfortable to me. Well, three fingers gives you a much better chance of spinning the ball, and heres why: To eliminate the spin you need to apply even pressure from two fingertips. Or write about sports? [19] At the same time, pitchers rarely focus on the knuckleball if they have reasonable skill with more standard pitches. "Catching Niekro's knuckleball was great," said Uecker, now a Hall of Fame announcer. [13] And on April 8, 2010, she signed with the Chico Outlaws, debuting on May 29, 2010. It is for this reason that the knuckleball is widely regarded as unreliable, and knuckleball pitchers are prone to extended slumps, such as when Tim Wakefield was released from the Pirates in a mid-career slump during spring training in 1995. Read More FILE - In this March 29, 2007, file photo, Baseball Hall of Famer Phil Niekro holds a knuckleball at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland. [1], In 1982, at the age of 43, Niekro led the Braves with a 174 season while winning his fourth Gold Glove Award and appearing in his fourth All-Star game. Niekro has died after a long fight with cancer, the team announced today. Of the thousands of pitchers who have reached the majors, fewer than a hundred mastered the knuckleball that maddeningly erratic, spin-free butterfly well enough to rely upon it as their primary pitch. 12,210th in major league history) After he was notified, Niekro said, "Giving a description of today's phone call is impossible. "He was a constant presence over the years, in our clubhouse, our alumni activities and throughout Braves Country and we will forever be grateful for having him be such an important part of our organization. Brothers Joe (left) and Phil Niekro squared off against one another on July 4, 1967 in a game won by Phil's Atlanta Braves against the Chicago Cubs, 8-3. Seams are raised. I don't think of his 318 wins. He taught the boys the pitch in the backyard. As with hitters, the unpredictable motion of the knuckleball makes it one of the most difficult pitches for catchers to handle, and they tend to be charged with a significantly higher number of passed balls. [7] He pitched for several minor league teams at several levels for the next few years, appearing mostly as a relief pitcher. FILE - In this March 29, 2007, file photo, Baseball Hall of Famer Phil Niekro holds a knuckleball at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland. This change adds a deflecting force to the baseball, making it difficult for batters to hit but also difficult for pitchers to control and catchers to catch . Many people, including pros, think that the pitch is thrown with fingertips dug into the seams. By adding a third finger, you make the process a lot more difficult. [15], After two seasons in New York, Niekro pitched for the Cleveland Indians in 1986. He amassed 121 victories after he turned 40 -- a major league record -- and pitched until he was 48. His pitching coach? Sponsored. All images are property the copyright holder and are displayed here for informational purposes only. The Hall of Fame knuckleballer died at 81 years old after a battle with cancer, his former team announced Sunday. I didnt know what it was or anything, he showed me how to hold it and wed just play knuckleball in the backyard., Phil Niekro pitched for the Braves for 21 seasons, topping the 300-inning mark in four seasons. For many hitters, using a bat to try to get a hit off Phil Niekro was a farce. By Jim Murray. On October 1, with the Braves clinging to a one-game lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers, Niekro beat the San Diego Padres almost single-handedly by throwing a complete game shutout and hitting a two-run home run. [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. He went 1111 with a 4.32 ERA. September 27, 1987 "Knucksie was woven into the Braves fabric, first in Milwaukee and then in Atlanta. Niekro, who was born April 1, 1939, and died in 2020 at 81, excelled by using the elusive . His younger brother Joe was also a Major League pitcher, who won more than 200 games. Other prominent knuckleball pitchers have included Joe Niekro (Phil's brother), Charlie Hough, Dave Jolly, Ben Flowers, Wilbur Wood, Barney Schultz, Tom Candiotti, Bob Purkey, Steve Sparks, Eddie Rommel, Tim Wakefield, Steven Wright, and Dickey. Collectibles; Stamps; Books & Magazines; Pottery & Glass; Subscribe to Stathead Baseball: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Baseball Reference Database. [30], On December 26, 2020, Niekro died in his sleep at age 81. [18] After going 02 in three starts, the Blue Jays released Niekro. in speed, and things like that." . He did not throw his trademark knuckleball throughout the game until the final hitter;[13] to former AL MVP Jeff Burroughs. [21] Mickey Jannis of the Baltimore Orioles organization also throws the knuckleball, and made his major league debut on June 23, 2021. Who throws the best knuckleball? from the SABR BioProject, Relatives: Brother ofJoe Niekro; Uncle ofLance Niekro, More Phil Niekro Pages at Baseball Reference. Communication. [1], In 1974, Niekro led the league in several pitching categories, including wins (20), complete games (18), and innings pitched (302.1). "There aren't many hitters who like facing knuckleball pitchers," Niekro said. But the knuckleball carried Niekro to more than 300 wins, earned him a . ", "Knuckleballers' paths as tricky as the pitch", "MLB pitchers setting velocity records, altering balance of power", "Knuckleball life comes full circle for Wakefield", "Japan's 'Knuckle Princess' Arrives in U.S.", "Knuckleball pitchers may be a dying breed", "The art of the mysterious knuckleball is on the verge of extinction", "Wakefield, Dickey share a unique relationship", "R. A. Dickey calls Cy Young Award a victory for all knuckleballers", "Knuckleballer Mickey Jannis Making His MLB Debut at Age 33 Is So Cool", "Frazier breaks out knuckler in pitching debut", "You knew Wade Boggs could hit, but did you also know he had a nasty knuckleball? [1] Niekro's playoff loss came against Seaver. Ferrell knew knuckleballs: he had the task of being the Washington Senators catcher in 194445, when the Senators had four knuckleball pitchers in their starting rotation. $2.49 . However, since a typical major league starting rotation exceeds the length of a series against any one opponent, one way a manager can mitigate this disadvantage is to adjust his team's pitching rotation so as to eliminate (or at least minimize) games in which a knuckleballer would pitch against teams with a preponderance of fast baserunners. Share 4.9. The lower physical strain also fosters longer careers. Phil Niekro, 300-game winner and Hall of Famer, passed away on Dec. 26 at the age of 81. Niekro, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997, was one of baseball's most prolific and durable pitchers, using his "butterfly" pitch to win 318 games in a career that spanned 24 seasons, including 21 with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves. "It comes flying in there dipping and hopping like crazy, and you just can't hit it.". Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. Coaches are quick to banish the pitch after one bad outing. Because the speed of any prospect's pitch is one of the quickest and easiest metrics in judging the skill of the prospect, the knuckleball, which is thrown slower than any other pitch, gets overlooked. He was 81. On August 5, 1973, Niekro threw a no-hitter against the San Diego Padres, the first for the Braves since moving to Atlanta. (National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum), Phil Niekro was elected to the Hall of Fame's Board of Directors in 2009. The symbol of both the success and longevity of Niekro's career was the knuckleball, that whimsical floater that baffles not only hitters and catchers but also the pitchers who never really know how the rotationless pitch will dance toward the plate. Niekro was remembered by the Hall as "master of the knuckleball and a great mentor, leader and friend." Niekro didn't make it to the big leagues until 1964, when he pitched 10 games in relief for . The Niekro brothers would face each other nine times in their career, with Joes team winning five. (Josh Szot/National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum), Phil Niekro managed the Colorado Silver Bullets baseball team from 1994-97. He had been diagnosed with prostate[31] cancer.[32][33]. He . In this March 29, 2007, file photo, Baseball Hall of Famer Phil Niekro holds a knuckleball at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland. Heck, he didn't even know where it was going most of the time. Phil Niekro achieved . Phil Niekro Phil is probably the best known knuckleball pitcher. Hoyt Wilhelm, Phil Niekro, and Jesse Haines, three pitchers who primarily relied on the knuckleball, have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Not many pitchers start out with it, and you can't expect to pick it up overnight. After spending 25 of his 45 years in the Braves organization, Niekro is indeed a New York Yankee. Knuckleball paved Phil Niekro's path to Hall. The fluttering knuckler danced throughout the summers in the Atlanta heat, and by his late 30s Niekro became an absolute workhorse averaging 335 innings a season from 1977 through 1979 and becoming the last pitcher to post back-to-back seasons of at least 300 innings pitched. [17] When, in 2012, R. A. Dickey became the first Cy Young Award-winning knuckleball pitcher, he called the award "a victory for the knuckleball fraternity", and of the dozens of phone calls he received after the announcement, Niekro's was the only one he answered. Even a ball thrown without rotation will "flutter", due to the "apparent wind" it feels as its trajectory changes throughout its flight path.[5]. Niekro's 318 career victories are the most by a knuckleballer and rank 16th on MLB's all-time wins list. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The ball completes between one-quarter and one-half a rotation on its way from the pitcher to the batter; the position of the stitches changes as the ball travels, affecting the drag that gives the ball its motion, thus making its flight erratic.