A Tribute to the Niekro Name and The Knuckleball

For those of you that didn’t know, I had the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at the Houston Astros game Sunday, September 13th.    I think I shocked many when I not only made it from the mound to the plate without bouncing, but that it was a knuckler straight down the middle.  It did flutter a bit, as it should, and landed directly in Lance Berkman’s glove…the lucky Astro that got to catch the infamous Niekro Knuckler.  Well, I can’t say I threw it like Dad (or even close for that matter), but I can tell you that I did the Niekro name proud.  Just before my pitch, I was introduced and presented with my very own Niekro #36 Astros jersey and a beautiful plaque commemorating The Knuckle Ball…a Pitch for Life.  What an honor it is to represent The Joe Niekro Foundation, the Niekro name and the knuckleball heritage.

The Niekro Aneurysm and AVM Foundation™
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To highlight our impact and convey our mission with clarity, we are excited to announce that the Joe Niekro Foundation is now the Niekro Aneurysm and AVM Foundation. We look forward to building on the Niekro legacy and continuing our mission!
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