This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2001.
Laboring for losing teams and pitching with little run support or attention for 18 of his 24 big league years, Phil Niekro nonetheless was a model of consistency who more than earned his place in the Hall of Fame. The knuckleballer, who was still chucking 'em at age 48, compiled 318 lifetime wins with a 3.35 ERA and 3,342 strikeouts (9th all-time) in 5,404 innings (4th all-time). Niekro wore this Braves home knit jersey in 1979 when he showed what a workhorse he was, going 21-20. In the neck is the "Wilson" label and size "44" and on the left tail is a white patch with "79 1" in blue chain stitch, denoting the year and set number. Across the front is "Braves" in script style letters and the number "35" appears on both the left breast and on the back. All letters and numbers are made of blue tackle twill on a white/red backing. The jersey shows game-use and appears to have alterations of any kind.