RIP Joe Niekro

[Skin & Bones]

http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/4293468.html&sa=X&oi=news&ct=result&cd=1&usg=__MoJSAO4AX9RF9LH4O55gX0HMxlg=

Former Astros pitcher Joe Niekro died Friday in Florida at age 61.

Niekro suffered an aneurysm and was taken to South Florida Baptist Hospital, the Tampa Tribune reported. He was transported on Thursday to a Tampa-area hospital.

Niekro, brother of Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro, pitched 22 seasons in the majors before retiring in 1988 with a lifetime record of 221-204.

Joe Niekro was an All-Star in 1979 when he won 21 games for the Astros. He followed that season up with 20 victories in 1980, a playoff year for the Astros.

Niekro pitched for six other teams: Chicago Cubs, San Diego, Detroit, Atlanta, New York Yankees and Minnesota.

Neikro is the father of current San Francisco Giants player Lance Niekro.

[wu-tang clan]

RIP May The Force Be With You :(

[KCGHOST]

R.I.P. Another sad day for baseball.

[SamtheBravesFan]

R.I.P. Another sad day for baseball.

Yep. :( Prayers to Phil and Lance and the rest of the Niekro family.

[JimAbbott]

A shame for sure

[Los Bravos]

This is the first I've heard of this. I always liked Joe, because of the connection to Knucksie. I remember how their parents really hated it when they pitched against each other. That is far too young for a man that vital to be gone.

[Zito75]

He was just 61. It seems we're having more and more of these sad days lately. RIP, Joe.

[Old Sweater]

Shocker for sure!

[hudsonharden]

Very sad, he was too young, he will be missed

[runningshoes]

My heartfelt condolences to the family.

Master of the Knuckleball

http://www.ajclay.com/PTC/pictures/863.jpg

[Captain Cold Nose]

What a shock. He was just signing autographs in the Detroit area a few weeks ago.
The Niekros are from a very rural part of Eastern Ohio, mining country. They're very proud of the athletes who made it from that area.

[Goooooo]

Rest in peace, Knucksie.