Atlanta Braves: Franchise icons who left
PHIL NIEKRO - When the Braves released "Knucksie" after 24 years with the organization, then-owner Ted Turner said, "Some players walk off the field and others have to be dragged kicking and screaming ... would we have been better off by letting him come back and fall on his face next year?" Then 44 years old, Niekro was far from finished. He signed with the Yankees in 1984, winning 16 games with an ERA just above three. - Christian Boone Associated Press
