Former Dodgers Pitcher, Coach Rod Nichols Dies At 60

Rod Nichols, a former Major League pitcher and respected coach who earned three World Series rings over his baseball career, has died at the age of 60.

He passed away on May 14, and his funeral is scheduled for May 30 in Montana, where he had been living with his family in retirement.

Nichols was born in Iowa but grew up in New Mexico, where his baseball journey began.

As a boy, he served as a batboy for the Albuquerque Dukes, the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He went on to play college baseball for the New Mexico Lobos before being selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 1985 MLB Draft.

Nichols made his Major League debut with the Indians in 1988 and went on to pitch in 91 games (48 starts) for the club over five seasons through 1992.

He compiled an 11-30 record with a 4.39 ERA during his time in Cleveland. In 1991, he notably earned both a shutout and a save in the same season — a feat no Cleveland pitcher would repeat until 2014.

After signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1993, Nichols appeared in four games out of their bullpen, posting a 5.68 ERA. That same year, he also returned to pitch for the Albuquerque Dukes — this time as a professional, making 21 starts and going 8-5 with a 4.30 ERA.

Nichols wrapped up his MLB playing career in 1995 with the Atlanta Braves, where he made five appearances during their World Series-winning season. Though he played only a limited role on the team, he earned his first championship ring as the Braves defeated the Indians to claim the title.

In total, Nichols appeared in 100 Major League games, recording an 11-31 record, 4.43 ERA, and 214 strikeouts across 412 2/3 innings. He served both as a starter and a reliever throughout his career.

Following his playing days, Nichols transitioned into coaching. He joined the Philadelphia Phillies organization as a minor league pitching coach in 2000 and remained with the club for over a decade.

In 2008, he earned his second World Series ring while serving in the organization during their championship season. He was promoted to Phillies bullpen coach in 2013 and held that role through 2015.

Nichols later joined the Chicago Cubs organization and was part of their 2016 World Series-winning campaign — his third title — before retiring from coaching in 2019.

Rod Nichols is survived by his wife, Sharon, and their three children: Katelyn, Christopher (Kendra), and Kellea.

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