Joe Niekro is traded by the Cubs, along with Gary Ross and Francisco Libran, in exchange for right-hander Dick Selma. The 22 year-old never became a favorite of Chicago skipper Leo Durocher, due to his insistence of throwing a knuckleball, the signature pitch that will result in 221 career victories.

This Day In Baseball

On August 25, 1969 — Joe Niekro is traded by the Cubs, along with Gary Ross and Francisco Libran, in exchange for right-hander Dick Selma. The 22 year-old never became a favorite of Chicago skipper Leo Durocher, due to his insistence of throwing a knuckleball, the signature pitch that will result in 221 career victories.

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Sources:
Baseball Reference August 25
National Pastime August 25
Retro Sheet
Hall of Fame
SABR Games Project
Replay The Game