ABOUT PHIL NIEKRO
5-time All-Star pitcher who won 318 games and struck out 3,342 batters throughout his 24-year MLB career, spent mostly with the Atlanta Braves.
He grew up in Bridgeport, Ohio, where he became friends with future NBA star John Havlicek .
He threw a no-hitter against the San Diego Padres on August 5, 1973.
His younger brother Joe Niekro also pitched in the majors and made the All-Star game in 1979.
He won the Roberto Clemente Award in 1980, which is given to players that excel in sportsmanship and community involvement.
