Niekro's Going to Bat For Aneurysm Research

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Scottsdale, Arizona, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) January 11, 2012 -- On April 28th 2012, athletes from all over the country will come together at Minute Maid Park, in association with The Joe Niekro Foundation, to honor the beloved 13-year Houston Astros All-Star, Joe Niekro, at the 3rd Annual Knuckle Ball…A Pitch for Life.

Niekro served 22 years in the Major Leagues, 13 of those with the Houston Astros. He became the team’s first 20-game winner, and remains the all-time leader in wins among Astros pitchers. Teaming up with his brother, Hall of Famer Phil Niekro, the two combined for 539 wins over their respective careers making them the most successful brother combination in Major League history.

At the peak of his Major League Baseball pitching career, Joe Niekro was famous for his command of the knuckleball, a baseball pitch with an erratic, unpredictable motion. Like a knuckleball, Niekro’s life took an unpredictable path on October 27, 2006, when he died suddenly from a ruptured brain aneurysm.

In honor of his memory, daughter Natalie Niekro created The Joe Niekro Foundation, with a mission to raise funds for brain aneurysm research, treatment and help bring public awareness to this devastating condition affecting as many as 1 in 15 people.

A number of Astros players, along with former MLB, NFL and NBA Stars, will be on hand at the black-tie gala, featuring a reception, formal dinner, silent and live auction (for a list of previous attendees, click here). Joe’s brother and Hall of Fame pitcher, Phil Niekro will serve as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, with a special presentation of The 2012 Joe Niekro Humanitarian Award to Haynes and Boone, LLP Partner and current Chairman of the Board of the Harris County -Houston Sports Authority, J. Kent Friedman.
To kick things off, special performances from country music superstars Chuck Wicks and Trailer Choir (lead singer Vinny recently finished in the Top 5 contestants of the NBC hit show, The Biggest Loser) will take place at Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar on April 27th. Proceeds from the musical concert will also benefit The Joe Niekro Foundation and brain aneurysm awareness. The two hit acts will also make a special appearance at The Knuckle Ball gala on the 28th.


WHEN: April 27th – 8P – Country Music Concert

Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar, 1031 E. 24th St. Houston, TX 77009

April 28th – 6:36P – Knuckle Ball…A Pitch for Life (Joe Niekro’s #36 symbolizes the start time)
Minute Maid Park, 501 Crawford Street, Houston, Texas 77002

For tickets and more information on both events and The Joe Niekro Foundation, visit www.joeniekrofoundation.org/knuckleball.

brain aneurysm awareness     Brain Aneurysm Research     Brain Aneurysm Treatment     Joe Niekro     joe niekro foundation     Knuckleball     Natalie Niekro     Phil Niekro