Hall of Fame Week in Corpus Christi
June 5, 2006 - Texas League (TL1)
Corpus Christi Hooks News Release
(Corpus Christi, Texas) - The Corpus Christi Hooks, in conjunction with Citgo Refineries and the National Baseball Hall of Fame, are proud to announce Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Wednesday's 7:05 pm game vs. the Midland RockHounds at Whataburger Field.
The news came only days after the announcement future Hall of Fame pitcher Roger Clemens will pitch for the Hooks on Sunday.
"To have Citgo bring pitching royalty like Phil Niekro to Whataburger Field is truly something special," said Hooks' President and General Manager J.J. Gottsch. "With Phil Niekro here on Wednesday and Roger Clemens throwing on Sunday, I just don't know how things could get better for both the Hooks and the City of Corpus Christi."
Niekro, 67, was born on April 1, 1939 in Blaine, Ohio. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in 1997 by the Baseball Writers Association of America.
During his 24 year career, Niekro played for the Milwaukee Braves (1964-65), Atlanta Braves (1966-83), New York Yankees (1984-85), Cleveland Indians (1986-1987) and Toronto Blue Jays (1987).
A five time All-Star, Niekro gained legendary status with a fluttering knuckleball that helped him to 318 career wins and compile a .537 winning percentage. "Knucksie" twice led the National League in wins and in 1969 recorded 23 victories while posting a 2.57 ERA.
Niekro and Hooks' Vice President Ken Schrom were teammates on the Cleveland Indians' pitching staff in 1986-87.
Texas League Stories from June 5, 2006
- Four Cardinals to play on Texas League all-star team - Springfield Cardinals
- Nine Hooks on All Star Team - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Texas League update - TL1
- Texas League All-Stars announced - Arkansas Travelers
- Eight Drillers named All-Stars - Tulsa Drillers
- Missions Game to be Televised - San Antonio Missions
- Wranglers All-Stars Announced - Wichita Wranglers
- Three Missions Named to Texas League All-Star Team - San Antonio Missions
- Hall of Fame Week in Corpus Christi - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Drillers home for nine games - Tulsa Drillers
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