Joe Niekro, the younger brother of Hall of Fame hurler Phil Niekro, died in Florida from an aneurysm

On October 27, 2006, former major league pitcher Joe Niekro, the younger brother of Hall of Fame hurler Phil Niekro, died on Florida from an aneurysm in Tampa, FL at age 61.

Joe won 221 games in his 22-year career, pitching for the Cubs, Padres, Tigers, Braves, Astros, Yankees, and Twins, He and Phil hold the record for most combined sins by brothers, with 539.  He threw in Houston for 11 seasons (1975-1985). At the time of his passing, he was the franchise leader in wins with 144.