R.I.P Phil Niekro

 

Shortly after noon today I learned that Phil Niekro had passed away in his sleep last night. Humble and self-effacing. Hall of Famer who played on horrible teams for years. A 300 game winner who had won but one game before his 28th birthday.

A man of the people. Unlike other superstars, Phil could be seen walking the mezzanine at Gwinnett Braves games, talking to fans, signing autographs.

This afternoon the Gwinnett Stripers posted a memorial photo of Niekro throwing out the first pitch. I happened to be at that game, and had snapped a picture of him warming up beforehand, tossing knucklers to a teen in foul territory. Had to be a thrill for the kid. 

At another game in Gwinnett I happened past the visitor's bullpen late in the game, and noticed Niekro chatting with the bullpen coach, demonstrating how to throw his signature pitch. I'm sure there was no other place he'd rather be.

Tonight I attended the belated reception for Thomas and Holly, Mary-Clayton's brother and sister-in-law. T&H got married June 13th in front of their family.   

The reception was held at the Piedmont Room, in Piedmont Park's southeast corner, across from Grady Stadium at the corner of 10th and Monroe. Note the lights of the Midtown Atlanta skyscrapers out the windows behind Will and Anna.  

Less than sixty in attendance, many wearing masks, spread out in the large event space. I visited with Thomas and Holly, parents Tom and Regina and Brett and Carol, W&MC, sibs Anna and husband Zack, the Smith boys Garrison and Conner, uncle Ben and aunt Meghan, friends Abby and Matt Tillman and her parents the Hufstetlers, and a family from Johnson Ferry.

Saturday Will and Zack played pickleball against Thomas and a friend.