Tom Nieto, a World Series-winning catcher-turned-coach has passed away. He was 65 years old.
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Denise Nieto-Jackson announced the news with a post on Facebook on Sunday. She wrote, "On Friday March 27th, my brother Tom passed on after a heart attack, leaving cherished memories in Florida with his family; his strength and resilience will continue to inspire us all."
A native of California, Nieto made his Major League Baseball debut with St. Louis during the 1984 season. He spent two seasons with the team and accounted for 22 runs in 128 games. He helped the Cardinals reach the 1985 World Series, where the team ultimately fell to the Kansas City Royals.
He then spent 30 games with Montreal in 1986 before heading to Minnesota for two seasons (1987-1988). It was with Minnesota that Nieto experienced more success. He helped the Twins reach the World Series in 1987, where the team defeated the Cardinals.
At Home, we pay tribute to one-time Twin Tom Nieto, who we’ve learned passed away this past Friday. His sister Denise shares via Facebook, “My brother Tom passed on after a heart attack, leaving cherished memories in Florida with his family; his strength and resilience will… pic.twitter.com/SjOf1RrQ6D
— TwinsRadio (@TwinsRadio) April 5, 2026
Nieto closed out his MLB career with two seasons in Philadelphia (1989-1990). He appeared in 28 games over two seasons and scored two runs.
While his playing career ended after the 1990 season, Nieto did not exit the game of baseball. He transitioned into coaching while holding multiple roles. According to Newsweek, this included time with the Chattanooga Lookouts (1992), the Charleston Wheelers (1993-1994), the Greensboro Bats (1997-1998), the Tampa Yankees (1999-2000), and the Palm Beach Cardinals (2003-2004).
We extend our condolences to the family of Tom Nieto, a member of our coaching staff from 2005 to 2008. pic.twitter.com/5xxOKW8nJ9
— New York Mets (@Mets) April 7, 2026
The veteran also spent time as a catching coach for the New York Yankees (2001-2002) and as a first base coach for the New York Mets (2005-2008). He also coached the GCL Yankees in 2012 and 2013.
His time leading teams also included the 2009 season with the Double-A New Britain Rock Cats and the 2010-2011 seasons with the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings.
"The Yankees mourn the passing of former Yankees coach Tom Nieto and extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones," the championship-winning team said in a statement.
