Part 2/7:
Born on April 1, 1939, to immigrant parents, Niekro grew up in a family that faced economic challenges. He was the middle child among his brother Joe and sister Phyllis in a household where his father worked as a coal miner. Young Phil took to baseball while playing in local leagues, learning the foibles of the game. After suffering arm troubles, he was introduced to the knuckleball by a co-worker, Nick McCay, instilling in young Phil the technique that would shape his future career. Practicing diligently, Niekro often enlisted his sister and later his friends as catchers, honing his craft.