Former MLB star Rodney L. Nichols passed away on May 14, 2025, at the age of 60, leaving behind his wife, Sharon, and their children.
Three-time World Series champion Rodney Nichols started his professional career in the minors, progressing through Cleveland’s farm system. He made his Major League debut on July 30, 1988, pitching against the Minnesota Twins.
Over seven MLB seasons (1988-1995), he played for the Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Royals, and Atlanta Braves, appearing in 100 games (48 starts) with a 11-31 record and a 4.43 ERA.
His standout year was 1991 with Cleveland, where he recorded a 3.54 ERA, a shutout, and a save. In 1995, he earned a World Series ring with the Braves.
In addition to his wife and kids, Rod Nichols leaves behind his grandson, Beau, his mother, Linda, and his sister, Gina (Bill).
Likewise, other survivors include his brothers-in-law, Jay (Cindy), Bobby, Steve (Allison), sister-in-law, Susie, and many nieces and nephews.
Rod Nichols was preceded in death by his father, Albert, his sister-in-law, Mary, and brother-in-law, Joe Lee.
Rodney Lea Nichols was not only a star on the field but also a family man. Born on December 29, 1964, in Burlington, Iowa, Rod Nichols considered his family his greatest joy.
Rod Nichols Is Survived By His Wife, Sharon, And Their Kids!
Former MLB star Rod was married to Sharon, whom he met while playing baseball at the University of New Mexico.
The couple tied the knot in February 1986, just before Rod began his professional baseball career.
Together, they built a strong and loving family, raising three children: daughters Katelyn and Kellea, and son Christopher.
Rod and Sharon’s love and support for each other carried them through many moves across the country as Rod pursued his baseball career, eventually settling in Helena, Montana, after his playing days.
Their first daughter, Katelyn, was born in 1989, followed by Christopher in 1990, and Kellea in 1995, the same year Rod won his first World Series ring with the Atlanta Braves.
Rod cherished his role as a father, proudly taking on the title of “Dad” alongside his baseball achievements.
His children grew up around the game, often traveling with the family as Rod moved through the minor and major leagues.
Christopher continued his father’s legacy in baseball, being drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2012 and pitching in their farm system for two seasons.
Rod was also a proud grandfather to Beau, Christopher’s son with his wife, Kendra.
After a brief stint in Japan with the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks in 1997, Nichols retired as a player.
He returned to baseball in 2000 as a pitching coach for the Philadelphia Phillies’ minor league affiliates, working his way up to become their Major League bullpen coach (2013-2015), earning a second World Series ring in 2008.
Later, Nichols retired from coaching in 2019. Even after retiring, Rod continued to guide young players from his Montana home, always with Sharon and his family by his side.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- In 2016, Rod Nichols joined the Chicago Cubs as a Triple-A pitching coach, contributing to their 2016 World Series victory, his third ring.
- He excelled as a third baseman and pitcher at Highland High School and played college baseball at the University of New Mexico, where the Cleveland Indians drafted him in the fifth round of the 1985 MLB Draft.
