KNUCKSIE, PHIL NIEKRO... THE BASEBALL LEGEND HAS DIED

It's another reminder that 2020 sucks A LOT. The baseball world lost another legend over the holiday weekend, Phil Niekro passed away at 81 years old from cancer.

Did you know that the baseball world has lost SEVEN Hall of Fame players this year? Just more proof that it's not just a tough year for you and I but for the sports world as well. We lost a good one this past weekend, Niekro was a unique gamer.

We may never see a story like his again. They don't make them like they used to....and he's proof. He's a unicorn and one hell of a knuckleballer. He had a long career despite debuting in 1964 when he was 25 years old. He pitched for 24 seasons and called it quits in 1987 at 48 years old. 

Niekro was a gamer. He threw 104 complete games and 1,977 innings after turning 40. He was a master of pitching the complete game and is ranked third-most in the modern era. He wasn't just good at raking up innngs pitched though, he has 3,342 career strikeouts in his career with 318 career wins.

These are just a few of the many accomplishments of Niekro's career. He was a unique talent and a great ambassador to the game who will be missed. He spent 20 years with the Braves, and two as a Yankee but he has a legacy that will last forever. Chipper Jones is right, it's a sad day.....everywhere.

It's another sad day in 2020. It's a sad day for baseball and another reminder that cancer sucks. Prayers to his family....rest in Peace, Knucksie.

  --Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

     BYB Managing Editor

    Twitter: @nyprincessj