The Knuckle BallThe Joe Niekro Foundation gala, The Knuckle Ball…A Pitch for Life, was a huge success and raised over $400,000 toward aneurysm research for The Methodist Neurological Institute. The black-tie affair which took place on July 31st at Minute Maid Park, featured a casino gaming reception, silent and live auction and a special performance by Grammy Award Artist, Collin Raye. With Hall of Famer Joe Morgan serving as master of ceremonies and Dr. Robert Grossman and Mr. Drayton McLane serving as Honorary Co-Chairmen, the attending guest list read like the Who’s Who in the Sports Arena. For an effort started by a great boost of energy and intelligence from Joe’s daughter, Natalie, president and founder of The Joe Niekro Foundation, the program unfolded as a tribute to her father and the man that gave his heart to the city of Houston for 13 years, wearing the multi-striped Astros uniform. In addition to Joe Morgan, other Baseball Hall of Famers on hand included Joe’s brother Phil Niekro, Sparky Anderson, Bob Feller, Robin Roberts, and Ozzie Smith. The list of famous former Houston Astros was equally impressive, Kevin Bass, Dave Bergman, Enos Cabell, Larry Dierker, Phil Garner, JR Richard, Frank LaCorte, Deacon Jones, Billy Smith, Carlos Alfonso, Bill Dawley, Glenn Wilson, Ed Herrmann, Art Howe, Craig Reynolds, Joe Sambito, Carl Warwick, Bill Virdon, and Jimmy Wynn. Plus other MLB stars Lee Smith, Ron Robinson, Jay Johnstone, Jeff DeWillis, Jon Warden and Jim Foor. Other sport icons in attendance included former Houston Rocket and NBA Hall of Famer Elvin Hayes, former Houston Rocket star Mario Elle with Isaac Stallworth and Aaron James rounding off the NBA list. Representing the NFL were, Houston Oiler quarterbacks Dan Pastorini and Oliver Luck, Hall of Famers Ted Hendricks and Dave Casper, Gregg Bingham, Dave Duerson, Spencer Tillman, Jim O’Brien, Vernon Wells, Jr., Derrick Kennard, JD Hill, Doug Dawson, Mike Barber, Art Still, Ron Pritchard and Lynn Larson. The reception began officially at 6:36 PM. The past normal time start was done to (1) highlight Joe Niekro’s uniform number as an Astro; and (2) to also make the point that it is now past time, via Joe’s deceased status, to consider retiring his Houston uniform number 36 from all service use by any future Astros. Among all his many accomplishments in baseball, Joe Niekro has held onto one very special record in Houston MLB franchise history. – With 144 wins in Houston, Joe Niekro has the most career victories as a Houston big league pitcher. The Joe Niekro Foundation and the Knuckle Ball stand tall as living proof of the Niekro family commitment to Houston. The evening program following the reception began with a delicious meal and a heartwarming welcome and explanation from Natalie Niekro about how the Joe Niekro Foundation and the Knuckle Ball came to be as a “Pitch for Life” against the sudden silent killer that is aneurysm. Natalie was accompanied by several former teammates of Joe Niekro, who spoke of what it meant personally to have known Joe Niekro as a teammate and friend. The evening culminated with a special concert from Country Music Artist Collin Raye, who belted tunes for nearly one hour, giving all patrons an unbelievable and touching performance. William McCurdy recited a poem he had written about Joe Niekro and the new Knuckle Ball purpose. Here’s the poem – without the spoken voice breaks and pauses that breathe it completely into life... Event Attendees - AthletesOn behalf of The Joe Niekro Foundation, thank you for helping make the Inaugural Knuckle Ball…A Pitch for Life, a huge success. It was a privilege to have your name on the athlete event host committee and I am so thankful to have shared this evening with so many of Dad’s closest friends and teammates, as we launch a crusade in the fight for aneurysm research and education. More.... Thank You!On behalf of The Joe Niekro Foundation, thank you for helping make the Inaugural Knuckle Ball…A Pitch for Life, a huge success. It was a privilege to have your name on the athlete event host committee and I am so thankful to have shared this evening with so many of Dad’s closest friends and teammates, as we launch a crusade in the fight for aneurysm research and education. The need for funding in this area of research is crucial…as many as one in fifteen Americans will develop a cerebral aneurysm; 10-15% of these individuals will die before reaching the hospital and over 50% will die within the first thirty days after rupture. Of those who survive, over half suffer permanent neurological deficit. Through your support, The Knuckle Ball raised over $400,000 and proceeds of the event will help provide The Methodist Neurological Institute with the critical funding needed to help support the advancement of aneurysm research and education. Together, we can save thousands of lives every year and help put an end to these fatal enemies known as aneurysms. As you know from my words the evening of the gala, Dad loved the city of Houston. Even after his playing days with the Astros expired, his heart never left. For this very reason, The Joe Niekro Foundation will continually host The Knuckle Ball…A Pitch for Life, as a tribute to the community that gave my family our greatest memories. I am thrilled to announce that plans for the 2nd Annual Knuckle Ball…A Pitch for Life are well under way and I would be honored to host you once again as a guest of the foundation for the 2010 date, which will feature even more athletes and occur on the baseball diamond so we can accommodate more attendees and excitement. Thank you again for your support, dedication and commitment to this cause and for helping to make the Inaugural Knuckle Ball…A Pitch for Life an evening that will be cherished forever. I look forward to speaking with you soon about 2010 and will be contacting you as soon as the date is confirmed so you can plan accordingly. Sincerely, Natalie NiekroFounder and President The Joe Niekro Foundation MLB Honorary Host Committee
NFL Honorary Host Committee
NBA Honorary Host Committee
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Events Photography (2009)
