October Legends Closing November 1
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/2/2014
It was the final day of the 1985 season, when Phil Niekro stepped to the mound at Toronto’s Exhibition Stadium. Toronto had just clinched the American League East division a day earlier by defeating the second place Yankees, and when Niekro stepped on that mound, the only thing worth noting was Knucksie was vying for his 300th career victory. Many baseball pundits had downplayed Niekro’s career records because of his “trick pitch” the knuckleball. However, Niekro wanted to prove he was a future HOFer by pitching a complete game three-hit shutout over the Blue Jays, and winning his 300th game. Interestingly, except for the last batter, Niekro did not throw a single knuckleball during his entire game until he threw three straight to Jeff Burroughs, striking him out to end the game. This darkly-toned OAL Bobby Brown baseball was used in that game, signed and inscribed “Jeff – It has been my pleasure working with you in 84-85 1st rate 10-6-85”. Full LOA from PSA/DNA, cert number W03165. LOA from former Yankees Coach Jeff Torberg.