3rd Annual Knuckleball to Feature The Joe Niekro Humanitarian Award

The 3rd Annual Knuckle Ball…A Ptich for Life is jus around the corner.  With this year’s event fast approaching, there’s one man who will surely be in the crowd, Mr. J. Kent Friedman.

Haynes and Boone, LLP Partner J. Kent Friedman has been named the inaugural recipient of the Joe Niekro Humanitarian Award, honoring civic service to the Houston community.

“We are privileged to have Mr. J. Kent Friedman as the inaugural recipient of this award,” said Natalie Niekro, daughter of the famed Houston pitcher and president of The Joe Niekro Foundation. “The Joe Niekro Humanitarian Award honors outstanding commitment and contributions to the Houston community. Mr. Friedman is the epitome of what this award represents. It is with great pleasure that we recognize his service and dedication.”

Friedman is a longtime Houston legal, business and civic leader. He serves as chairman of the board of the Harris County– Houston Sports Authority, and serves on the boards of several charitable and corporate entities. Friedman has been recognized by several organizations for his community involvement, including the Houston Bar Auxiliary, which awarded him its Leon Jaworski Award that is given annually to the attorney inHoustonwho has done the most to make a difference in the community.

The award will be presented to Friedman at the third annual Knuckle Ball…A Pitch for Life event April 28 at Minute Maid Park in Houston. To learn more about the event and purchase tickets, visit www.joeniekrofoundation.org/knuckleball.

 

COUNTRY MUSIC SUPERSTARS TRAILER CHOIR, CHUCK WICKS AND KEITH ANDERSON TEAM UP WITH THE JOE NIEKRO FOUNDATION AND GO TO BAT FOR ANEURYSM RESEARCH

Trailer Choir, Chuck Wicks and Keith Anderson...Playing for a Cause

Country Music Superstars Trailer Choir, Chuck Wicks and Keith Anderson have teamed up with The Joe Niekro Foundation for a weekend of festivities in Houston, TX, April 27th and 28th.  It’s all in celebration of the 3rd Annual Knuckle Ball…A Pitch for Life, with proceeds benefitting brain aneurysm research, treatment and education.

Friday, April 27th will kick things off at Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar with a special acoustic, in the round performance, beginning at 8P.   Patrons will hear hits like Rockin’ the Beer Gutt, Off the Hillbilly Hook and Shakin’ that Tailgate from Trailer Choir, Stealing Cinderella, All I Ever Wanted and Old School from Chuck Wicks, and Every Time I Hear Your Name, Pickin’ Wildflowers and Lost In This Moment from Keith Anderson.  These hits plus many more will fill the stage and make country music memories, while attendees experience an up close and personal view of these country megastars.

The festivities continue at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, April 28th as the entertainers will be joined by athletes from across the country at the 3rd Annual Knuckle Ball…A Pitch for Life, as they pay tribute to the beloved 13-year Houston Astros All-Star,  Joe Niekro.  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.

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.

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.

We invite you to join us for a weekend of fun as we raise money for a condition that is killing thousands every year. For tickets and more information on both events and The Joe Niekro Foundation, visit www.joeniekrofoundation.org/knuckleball.

April 27th – 8P – Country Music Concert

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

Tickets: $75

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

Tickets: Individual Tickets start at $336, with table sponsorships ranging from $5,036-$25,036.

Knuckle Ball 2010…A Great Event for a Great Cause

Knuckle Ball 2010 took place just this past Saturday at Minute Maid Park in Houston.  What a great success it was and I thank everyone for their continued support, dedication and commitment to this cause. The day started with the 1st Annual Scientific Symposium taking place, which hosted neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists and neurointensivists from all over the country who came together to hear key note speakers, Dr. Robert Spetzer and Dr. Charles Strother discuss the Current and Future Treatments of Cerebral Anuerysms.  The turnout was great and once again gave the foundation an introduction to many people that didn’t know about what we were doing.  Following the symposium was Knuckle Ball…a Pitch for Life.  What a wonderful evening as we hosted athletes from across the country and country music superstar, Chuck Wicks.  Chuck performed all his greatest songs and entertained the crowd from over an hour.  Those that attended will tell you that this year’s event was magnificent and we are excited about already starting to plan the 3rd Knuckle Ball event.  Thank you again for everyone that supported this evening and has continued to be a follower of The Joe Niekro Foundation.  Together, we are increasing the awareness of these silent killers and truly making a difference.  Look for more information on the event to come son, including many more pictures!

The huge screen featuring The Knuckle Ball logo showcased the foundation and its events throughout the evening.

Knuckle Ball 2011…Just around the Corner

November 13th is fast approaching, so look out Houston, the 2nd Annual Knuckle Ball…A Pitch for Life is coming.  That’s right, November 13th, The Joe Niekro Foundation will again host an evening with baseball’s greatest legends coming together to raise money for brain aneurysm awareness, research and treatment.  6:36P marks the time and Minute Maid Park marks the place.  Why :36 you ask?  Well that’s easy, the time signifies the number Joe Niekro wore during his 13 years as an Astro.  You won’t want to miss this exciting evening filled with music, food and fun.  The night will start with a swanky reception, serving up fantastic hor’s douerves and drinks, followed by a sit down dinner, auction and will culminate with a special performance from Country Music star, Chuck Wicks.  Last year’s event raised over $450,000 toward aneurysm research and this year the foundation plans to surpass that goal.  To find out more, log onto www.joeniekrofoundation.org/knuckleball.  We’ll see you on the 13th!

The Joe Niekro Foundation Announces Scientific Symposium

 The 2009 Knuckle Ball raised over $450,000 toward aneurysm research and The Joe Niekro Foundation is proud to announce that proceeds from that event will be used toward a scientific symposium, hosted by The Methodist Neurological Institute and take place the day of this year’s Knuckle Ball gala.  “The Current and Future Endovascular and Surgical Treatment of Cerebral Aneurysms” will feature nationally and internationally known neurosurgeons, endovascular neuroradiologists, neuro-intensivists and stroke neurologists, including key note speakers Dr. Robert Spetzler and Dr. Charles Strother.

This symposium will be an annual event, in honor of The Joe Niekro Foundation, hosted by The Methodist Neurological Institute.  As we continue to strive in our efforts to bring aneurysm awareness to the forefront, look to see these educational symposiums taking place more frequently.  While there is no fee to attend this symposium, we would like for you to join us the evening of November 13th as The Joe Niekro Foundation hosts The 2nd Annual Knuckle Ball…A Pitch for Life at Minute Maid Park. The black tie gala features a reception, formal dinner, auction and the opportunity to mingle with some of baseball’s greatest legends. The evening will be emceed by Hall of Famer, Phil Niekro and will honor Joe Niekro, his baseball years and charitable work and will culminate with a special performance from the Country Music Superstar, Chuck Wicks. All proceeds from the event will benefit aneurysm research and treatment. For tickets and table information, please contact Natalie Niekro at: nniekro@joeniekrofoundation.org or 602-318-1013. If you are unable to attend the gala, we ask that a donation be made to The Joe Niekro Foundation to help support aneurysm research, treatment and education.

The 2010 Knuckle Ball will take place on November 13th at Minute Maid Park

To register for the symposium, email sagonzalez@tmhs.org or call 713-441-0173.  Early registration is encouraged due to limited space.

For further information, contact Susie Gonzalez at

6565 Fannin, M268, Houston, TX 77030

Phone: 713-441-0173 Fax: 713-790-4688

Email: sagonzalez@tmhs.org

12 Yr. Old Throws the Knuckleball she learned from Joe Niekro

This story brought me to tears when I learned that this vibrant young girl had learned the Knuckleball from my father.  This story will capture your heart, as it did mine.

http://plantcity2.tbo.com/content/2010/apr/21/12-year-old-plant-city-girl-pitches-second-perfect/

2nd Annual Knuckle Ball and Niekro Symposium Come Together to Benefit Aneurysm Research

 On Saturday, November 13, 2010, athletes from across the country will come together at Minute Maid Park, in association with The Joe Niekro Foundation and The Methodist Neurological Institute to honor Houston Astros All Star #36, Joe Niekro, at the 2^nd Annual Knuckle Ball – A Pitch for Life. 

 Major League Player Jim Bouton once said, “Me watching Niekro pitch was like a young artist inspecting his first Picasso”. 

 Following Joe Niekro’s sudden and tragic death as a result of a cerebral hemorrhaging brain aneurysm, his daughter Natalie established The Joe Niekro Foundation, committed to the support of aneurysm research, treatment and education.

 Because of her father’s love of the Houston Astros and the City of Houston, it is only fitting that The Knuckle Ball take place in the city that gave the Niekro family their greatest memories.  Last year’s Knuckle Ball raised nearly one-half million dollars for treatment and research, and the goals for 2010 are even greater. 

 This year, The Joe Niekro Foundation and The Methodist Neurological Institute have once again partnered to honor Joe Niekro by hosting a scientific symposium:  Current and Future Endovascular and Surgical Treatment of Cerebral Aneurysms, A Symposium Supported by The Joe Niekro Foundation.  The symposium, which will feature nationally and internationally known neurosurgeons, endovascular neuroradiologists, neuro-intensivists and stroke neurologists, will take place on Saturday November 13^th and will be followed by The Knuckle Ball gala that evening.

On behalf of The Joe Niekro Foundation and Natalie Niekro, we would like to extend our gratitude and thanks for your support of The Niekro Aneurysm Symposium and The Knuckle Ball.

Robert Grossman, MD

Chairman, Dept. of Neurosurgery

Director, Methodist Neurological Institute

                           

Richard Klucznik, M.D.

Interventional Neuroradiologist

The Methodist Hospital

 

 

 

 

Natalie Niekro                                        

President                                                   

The Joe Niekro Foundation

Knuckle Ball 2010 Well Under Way

November 13, 2010 - Minute Maid Park

With the 2010 baseball season openers just weeks away and the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues in full force, there is no better time than now to announce the exciting news of Knuckle Ball 2010.  Minute Maid Park will once again host this black tie gala, with many exciting new additions for this year’s event, including Master of Ceremonies, Phil Niekro.  Knuckle Ball 2010 will take place at field level, offering the much needed space for the huge support of KB patrons.  The Joe Niekro Foundation is incredibly excited to announce this year’s event will feature a very special performance from Country Music Group, Restless Heart.   With music in the air, athletes in attendance and special tributes throughout the evening, Knuckle Ball 2010  is sure to WOW you.  Stay tuned for continuous updates on Knuckle Ball 2010 and the addition of even more great MLB, NBA and NFL superstars.   Here is just a few of the great athletes you can expect to see on November 13th:

MLB

Carlos Alfonso, Sparky Anderson, Bob Aspromonte, Ken Aspromonte, Dave Bergman, Craig Biggio, Enos Cabell, Bill Dawley, Larry Dierker, Ed Hermann, Art Howe, Monte Irvin, Bob Knepper,  Ron Mahay, Omar Moreno, Joe Morgan, Lance Niekro,  Phil Niekro, Gaylord Perry, Robin Roberts, Nolan Ryan, Joe Sambito, Mike Scott, Lee Smith, Ozzie Smith, Daron Sutton, Don Sutton

NFL

Art Still, Mike Barber, Gregg Binghamm, Dave Casper, Doug Dawson, Dave Duerson, Robert Hubble, Greg Koch

NBA

Elvin Hayes, Aaron James, Isaac Stallworth

STAY TUNED – This is only the beginning!  Knuckle Ball 2010 will knock it out of the park.

Save the Date, Knuckle Ball 2010 Date is Set

Mark your Calendars,  the 2nd Annual Knuckle Ball will take place November 13th, 2010 at Minute Maid Park in Houston.  You won’t want to miss this amazing black tie gala, packed with MLB, NFL and NBA legends.   Already confirmed athletes include, Phil and Lance Niekro, Ozzie Smith, Joe Morgan, Robin Roberts, Dave Stewart, Lee Smith, Mike Scott, Byron Browne, Dave Bergman, David Casper, Gregg Bingham, Dave Duerson, with many more to come.  Stay tuned for more info, but plan now to attend this spectacular gala.   The first Knuckle Ball held this past July 31st raised over $450,000 to benefit brain aneurysm research and treatment.  Together, we can fight this silent killer.  Please join me November 13th for an evening you will never forget.  Houston, here we come.  To find out more, visit www.joeniekrofoundation.org.

A Tribute to the Niekro Name and The Knuckleball

Just before my pitch, I was presented with my very own Astros #36 jersey

Robert Moses, Jr, Dr. Robert Grossman and Ron Girotto present The Knuckle Ball plaque

Showing off the Niekro Knuckler

For those of you that didn’t know, I had the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at the Houston Astros game Sunday, September 13th.    I think I shocked many when I not only made it from the mound to the plate without bouncing, but that it was a knuckler straight down the middle.  It did flutter a bit, as it should, and landed directly in Lance Berkman’s glove…the lucky Astro that got to catch the infamous Niekro Knuckler.  Well, I can’t say I threw it like Dad (or even close for that matter), but I can tell you that I did the Niekro name proud.  Just before my pitch, I was introduced and presented with my very own Niekro #36 Astros jersey and a beautiful plaque commemorating The Knuckle Ball…a Pitch for Life.  What an honor it is to represent The Joe Niekro Foundation, the Niekro name and the knuckleball heritage.