The K’s added up this past week as the AZ Fall League honored Joe Niekro, claiming the week of 10/26 as Brain Aneurysm Awareness Week.  Strike-outs represented donations to the foundation, so as many guys went down swinging this past week, at least they left the plate knowing their swings were going to a good cause.  As pitchers from the Cubs, Padres, Tigers, Braves, Astros, Yankees and Twins (the seven teams Niekro played for during his career), were throwing the heat, the dollars were racking up.   A very special thank you to Coulter Motor Company in Tempe, Pure Fitness, Ms. TC Schuttler, and Mr. Matthew Tarini, each committing to $36 for every strike-out from these teams.  That’s $144 per K. The participating pitchers saved the best for last, racking up 17 K’s on Saturday, the most for any one day this week. It was a great week for a wonderful cause. If you watch MLB Network’s broadcast of the Rising Stars Showcase on Saturday, Nov. 7, you might be able to see Natalie Niekro on hand for the check ceremony. And she might be able to celebrate more than just the $11,000+ from the fundraiser. Several teams, when they found out about the week’s events, agreed to step up and make a donation in honor of their pitchers performing in the Fall League. The Cubs, Astros and Yankees all said they would make a donation, particularly if their pitchers struck out the most batters this week. Details to come on just what’s being done — and if other teams agree to join in. Here’s how the standings finished:

Yankees- 15 K

Tigers – 15 K

Astros – 10 K

Braves – 10 K

Cubs – 9 K

Twins – 9 K

Padres – 9 K

 It was definitely a prosperous week, not just for the 77 strike-outs logged, but also for the great awareness brought to The Joe Niekro Foundation.  Monday, October 26, didn’t just mark the beginning of Brain Aneurysm Awareness Week, but sadly also represented the three year date of Joe Niekro’s aneurysm.  As we venture into a continued partnership with the AZ Fall League, The Joe Niekro Foundation also looks forward to the opportunity of taking this concept nationwide during Spring Training and the MLB season, so look for the concept to come to your favorite team very soon.