As the 2019 season nears, the Atlanta Braves look forward to Opening Day to defend their National League East crown. Today, we mark 71 days until Opening Day by looking at Phil Niekro‘s incredible career.
Early Niekro
Phil Niekro was originally signed by the Milwaukee Braves in 1959, and he spent multiple years in the minors before finally cracking the majors in 1964 at age 25. He worked primarily as a reliever until 1967, when he spent his first year as a swingman, and he was incredible, winning the ERA title with a 1.