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Tom Nieto, a World Series champion catcher who also served as a longtime MLB coach, has died, the Minnesota Twins announced Monday. He was 65 years old.
The Twins issued a statement regarding Nieto’s death on social media.
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St. Louis Cardinals catcher Tom Nieto watches from the field during a Major League Baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1984. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
“The Twins organization mourns the loss of 1987 World Series champion Tom Nieto,” the team said. “Our thoughts are with the Nieto family in their time of mourning.”
Nieto’s sister, Denise Nieto-Jackson, wrote on Facebook that the former player died of a heart attack last month.
“On Friday, March 27, my brother Tom passed away after a heart attack, leaving behind cherished memories in Florida with his family; his strength and resilience will continue to inspire us all,” he said.
The Twins initially selected Nieto in the 31st round of the 1979 MLB Draft. However, he decided to remain in school and eventually transferred to Oral Roberts. The St. Louis Cardinals would select him in the third round of the 1981 MLB Draft.
Jim Sundberg of the Kansas City Royals scores as Tom Nieto of the St. Louis Cardinals attempts to tag him during Game 5 of the 1985 World Series at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 24, 1985. (Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images)
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He made his MLB debut in 1984 and played for the Cardinals for two seasons. He was with the Montreal Expos in 1986 before joining the Twins in 1987. He was on the Twins team in 1987 when they won the World Series against the Cardinals.
Nieto played two seasons with the Twins before finishing his career with the Philadelphia Phillies after the 1990 season.
He played 251 games in his Major League career. He hit .205 with five home runs and 69 RBIs.
Yankees manager Tom Nieto poses during New York Yankees Media Day at Legends Field in Tampa, Florida on February 20, 2002. (M. David Leeds/Getty Images)
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When he retired, Nieto dedicated himself to training. He was with the New York Yankees from 1995 to 2002 and the New York Mets from 2005 to 2008.
