A Tribute to Joe Niekro 

Your brother is coming to you, rest in peace both❤

What a great player. I hope that there will always be a knuckleballer or two out there to carry on the legacy.

Thank you so much - I am so proud of my Dad and honored to call him my Father! Sincerely, Natalie Niekro

Niekro is an Astros legend. I have to say, I think he deserved that CY. Wish we had another knuckleballer in Houston. Thanks for sharing the video and your cause.

Victor, thank you so much! He was and always will be my hero. I really appreciate your comments and for thinking so much of my Dad! And yes, his jersey definitely deserves to be hanging from the rafters - that would mean so much to our entire family. I know that is something that was always hoping would happen, so hopefully one day that will be the case!

I bought the Niekro's 1987 book (I was able to get Phil to sign it in Mile High Stadium in Denver when he was managing the Richmond Braves, unfortunately I never got to meet Mr. Joe Niekro) when they were writing each other that whole season. Just two brothers having fun playing the game they loved . Great read by two classy guys.

great pitcher,greater man.

I cannot believe this only has 72 likes. I grew up watching him living close to Houston. Especially liked when he was pitching against Phil. More wins for the stros than even Nolan Ryan. Another of my childhood hereos. RIP. My mother had an aneurism in the brain. She lived several years in a nursing home. But it was a horrible quality of life. It was a relief when she passed.

Very touching tribute to one of the best.

I didn't know he'd died. I'm sorry to hear that. I was a big Astro fan in late 70s through the present. He was one of my favorite all-time pitchers, loved the knuckleball.

and allways remember youre father for what he was a good person a good player and most of all a great father to you and youre brother and family

@johnstone2010 Thank you so much for sharing your story. That was one of the greatest memories in Dad's playing history and one that I will never forget. I appreciate your kind words and thoughts. Thank you very much for bringing a smile to my face today. Natalie Niekro

my thoughs and prayers go out to you natalie youre father was a great player i still temember that 1980 season when he was with the astros grea moments that year and im a astro fan i wish the astros put hes jersey on there team so i can buy it beacuse he was one of the great players in the houston astro history and what he mean to the team and to the city of houston natalie

Phil Niekro Brother Joe Niekro Knuckle Amazing

Thank you so much for the wonderful message. I really appreciate your support and hope you will continue to spread the word about the foundation. You mentioned the Cooperstown Fantasy Camp, so wanted to share with you the foundation's Hall of Fame Fantasy Camp (with proceeds going directly to brain aneurysm research, treatment and education). Be sure to visit our website to find out more. Thank you again for your support, Natalie Niekro

May both of the Niekro brothers RIP but also play baseball in heaven.

I just watched the Letterman episode...longtime Joe Niekro fan

I got here from watching Chelsea Baker

a great man, a great father.

Love Niekro!!!!

@oldcodyjr - Thank you very much for your message and very glad to hear you were such a big Astros fan. I appreciate your support and just ask that you spread the word of the foundation to others. THank you

RIP Phil

@nniekro Hey Natalie, Your dad was my fav player(along with uncle phil) and was devastated when I heard the news of his passing. I've donated annually to your charity since. I almost went to Cooperstown for the fantasy league they had a few weeks before he passed to see him and Phil, but couldn't make it. My fav picture which I just pulled out of my large archives was a photo of him kissing Art Howe after they won that Dodger single game playoff. Hope to one day attend fundraiser.

@deeniemarie7 - Indeed he was. Thank you so much for your comments. My father was and will always be my hero!

*salutes Joe with a nal file*

Wasn't Joe Niekro ejected in a game against The Angels for having An Emery Board in his back pocket while playing for the Minnesota Twins in 1987?

Chelsea Baker is one of the best little leaguers EVER thanks to Joe. Thanks, Joe

when ESPN said that dickey was the 1st knuckleballer to win the cy young, my first thought was "no, that cant be right, niekro had to have won one" a baseball travesty that i didnt even know about. ridiculous

@saintsrawsum Joe is my father - Phil is my uncle

@nniekro your name isnt lance by any chance?

@nniekro oooooooh, ok, cool

@avalsonline2 I am Lance's sister, Natalie