While in high school, he had transitioned from being a knuckleball pitcher to a position player, playing third base at Florida Southern.

During the 2006 season, his replacements were Mark Sweeney, Travis Ishikawa, Chad Santos and Shea Hillenbrand.

On January 10, 2008, the Houston Astros signed Niekro to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

[5] On December 18, 2008, Niekro decided to make a comeback as a knuckleball pitcher and was signed by the Atlanta Braves to a minor league contract.

On May 9, 2012, Niekro succeeded Pete Meyer as the head coach of the Florida Southern Moccasins, a program that has produced the most NCAA Championships in Division II play (9).