Braves legend Phil Niekro passed away in his sleep Saturday night at the age of 81 after a long battle with cancer. Niekro enjoyed a unique career that was full of highlights. He made his Major League Debut in 1964 and pitched in his last game on September 27, 1987 at the age of 48. He logged over 5,400 innings in his Hall of Fame career with 1,977 coming after the age of 40. He is one of just seven pitchers all-time with at least 300 wins and 20 saves.
More so than his accomplishments on the field, Niekro was a beloved member of the Braves family.