Rodney Lea Nichols was born 12/29/1964 in Burlington, IA. He was the oldest of two children to Albert and Linda Nichols. Rod and his family moved to Albuquerque when he was two-years-old and graduated from Highland High School in 1982. His love for baseball started early and only amplified after he became a bat boy for the Albuquerque Dukes, the AAA team for the LA Dodgers. In high school, he was an excellent 3rd baseman and recognized by head coach of the New Mexico Lobos, Vince Cappelli. Rod played baseball for the New Mexico Lobos for three years, and in 1985 he was drafted as a pitcher by the Cleveland Indians. During his time playing baseball in college, he met his wife, Sharon, and they were married in February 1986, right before what would become his first of 33 Spring Trainings. He spent the next eight years pitching for the Cleveland Organization where he started Rookie Ball in Batavia, NY and then progressed through the Minor League system. In 1988, Rod was called up to join the Major League Club and made his Major League debut with the Cleveland Indians on Saturday, July 30 pitching against the Minnesota Twins.
In 1989, Rod got a new job as “Dad” with the birth of his first daughter, Katelyn. Just a short 14 months later, along came their son, Christopher. In 1992, Rod got the opportunity to play for his beloved LA Dodgers. During the next few seasons, he played for the Kansas City Royals and the Atlanta Braves. In 1995, Rod and Sharon were blessed with their daughter, Kellea. 1995 also happened to be the year Rod received his first World Series ring when the Braves won the World Series. He played one more season with the Braves before he finished up his playing days in 1997 in Japan with the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks.
With baseball in his rear view mirror, Rod and Sharon moved their family from Georgia to Helena, MT. He tinkered around with a couple of jobs, one of which was founding the “Olde School Pitching School” because baseball never left his heart. In 2000, Rod returned to professional baseball and signed on as a Pitching Coach for the Philadelphia Phillies. Once again, he and his family worked their way up through the Minor League system. In 2008, Rod received his second ring when the Phillies won the World Series that season. In 2014, Rod was again called up to the Major Leagues serving as the Bullpen Coach for the Philadelphia Phillies for the next two seasons. In 2016, he signed a new contract with the Chicago Cubs, which also happened to be the year he won his third and final ring when the Cubs won the World Series for the first time in 108 seasons.
Rod retired again from baseball in 2019. Although he retired from the field, he never stopped coaching from his recliner in the family room of his Montana home.
He was preceded in death by his father, Albert, his sister-in-law, Mary, and brother-in-law, Joe Lee. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, his three kids, Katelyn, Christopher (Kendra), and Kellea. He leaves behind one grandson, Beau, his mother, Linda, and his sister, Gina (Bill). Also surviving him are his brothers-in-law, Jay (Cindy), Bobby, Steve (Allison), sister-in-law, Susie, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service celebrating Rod’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral Home.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday May 30, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Friday May 30, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday May 30, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Friday May 30, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Sue Dugan says
Nichols family, I’m so very sorry for your untimely loss. Rod had an impressive career in baseball, and I know you are all so proud. Take good care of yourselves and each other during this most difficult time. Sue Dugan
Ed Matlosz says
Sorry about your loss. Our prayers 🙏. Ed and Candyce Matlosz. UNM Baseball.
Doug VanderLaan says
Nichols family, so sorry for your loss. Many cherished memories of Rod. My prayers and condolences to your family. Doug VanderLaan – Friend: Hayes Mid School and Highland High School Albuquerque.
SMITH, DENNIS says
Very sorry to hear this new about Rod. Rod and I played on the Highland Hornets in Albuquerque in from 1978 to 1982. I was the varsity catcher our senior year, and Rod could sure throw the ball. Will be greatly missed. Condolences and prayers to the family.
Goose and Jan says
Sharon, Katie, Chris and Kellea…. what a special, special friend Rod was….. you know we love you and will miss his one of a kind personality…. thankfully all our memories, smiles and the love we feel are what comes to our minds at this difficult time…. he will always be absolutely one of the best and definitely one of our favorites… ❤️❤️
Jan and Goose says
Sharon, Katie, Chris, Kellea….. there simply are so many many more words….. we miss everything about him, his teasing, compassion, twinkle in his mischievous eyes, recipes, love and companionship….thankfully he remains in our thoughts with all the affection…. he was one of a kind and are so thankful for all our memories that make us laugh from the belly…. We love you all, you are our family
MARK WILEY says
One of my favorite players to coach. I loved his humor, competitiveness, and his dedication to baseball. No fear in any situation. I hadn’t seen Rod in many years, but was so proud and pleased when he got back to the big leagues as a coach. His memory always brings a smile to my face. May the Lord welcome him home and help his family find peace knowing his is with the Lord.
Greg Legg says
Sharon , Katie. Chris , and Kellea . I got to hang with Rod and Chris too , on many long bus rides in the minors and somehow we always had a great time win or lose . Your dad was unique to say the least ! I will miss him and never forget him ! God bless you all !
George Petropoulos says
I played against him at Thunderbird Little League. When he was pitching that day, I and the rest of my teammates could not get a hit off him. He had a mean ass curve ball even at 10, 11 years. Even better when he pitched for the Highland Hornets. May he RIP. 😢
Ken Giles says
Nichols family I’m sorry for your loss. Rod was a legend in my eyes. We both grew up in Albuquerque, always talking about what it was like growing up there and always remembered how he would come to the minor league side to watch me pitch always had a smile on his face when I got on that mound. He was a big part of my career in Philly and further beyond. Always would call me just to check up on me knowing I was going through a tough patch in life. Always there to pick me up when I was down and keep pushing me to keep moving forward. He will truly be missed. I say this with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes. Love you Rod I wish for you to keep watch over all your loved ones. Until we meet again.
Lee Kuntz says
My condolences for your loss. I was an Athletic Trainer in the Indians organization and grew up in baseball with Rod. I have many fond memories of Rod and his unique sense of humor and enjoyed when he came into the training room and spiced things up with his teammates. As it happens in baseball, people move on to different paths and we loose track of one another but I did truly think of him often and tell stories of my days with him. As long as we remember them they are never gone! Gods speed.
maria keller says
So sorry for your loss. I knew him from his Reading Days and would video the pitching/hitting – he was kind and funny in our few interactions. Too soon – and so sorry. He is always remembered fondly.
Rob Hackash says
Since I started coaching baseball years ago, first youth and now high school, I have always drawn Rod’s “moving forward” arrow in my hat. It reminds me of Rod and many other influences I am fortunate to have. That arrow had deeper meaning to Rod. I have also always lovingly said that Rod is the most interesting group of guys I ever met. There was Complex Rod (as in complicated, not Carpenter), People Person Rod, Fantasy Football Rod, Straight Day Off Rod, and many more. But my favorite Rod was Family Man Rod. Sharon, his love for you and the kids was 80+. But he made many of us feel like family. When we enjoy wine with family at our house, we still do so in glasses you guys gave us. We will raise those glasses to Rod.
David Schofield says
My heart goes out to Sharon, Katie, Chris and Kellea. I had the pleasure of working with Rod while I was a photographer with the Phillies. My favorite moments were sitting with him pre and past game hearing about his family and talking baseball. Rod care so much about his pitchers and catchers. He will always be one of my very favorite people I had the chance to meet in my life. May he Rest in Peace.
Bill Dancy says
Sharon what a very special man. He will definitely be missed. One of the most knowledgeable pitching coaches I have ever been around. Loved sitting around and listen to him talk about pitching, he was very entertaining. Rod is so respected in the baseball world. Still remember spring training he would come to house with some other coaches to cook out and talk Baseball. We were all the old school baseball people. Will miss you Rod. RIP
Sharon and Mike Hargrove says
Fortunately baseball brought us together but unfortunately it also separated us. But our memories of our time together with the Cleveland Indians will always be among our favorite times in baseball. I thank God for allowing our paths to cross! Y’all are such a dedicated baseball family! You were a family that hung together through all your moves and different teams. I’m sure that closeness will help your family get through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with y’all.
Neil Solondz says
My sincere condolences to the entire Nichols family. Rod was a terrific baseball man, but a better person. I learned a great deal about the game and life when our paths crossed in Lakewood. May his memory be a blessing to all he came across. Neil Solondz
Steve and Jennefer schrenk says
So sorry for your loss Sharon. Jennefer and I can’t express our love and prayers for you and the entire family. Rod will always have a special place in our hearts with so many memories. Especially in All our spring trainings together on and off the field. He was a mentor and true professional. Baseball and our baseball family will miss him dearly. Thank you for sharing him during baseball season. We will cherish and remember all the good times and all his jokes and hiding my pitching charts every morning! He will be missed.
Jaimie Livorse says
Sharon and family,
I am so sorry for your loss! I was so fortunate to have had the chance to meet you all and get to know you during your days with the Cleveland Indians! You and Rod were always so sweet and one of my favorite families! Sending you prayers and hoping that the memories of Rod will bring you comfort in the coming days!
Hugs from Cleveland 💗
Jaimie
Jeff Schuler says
Nichols family. Sorry to hear about Rod. I was the Allentown Morning Call beat writer when the IronPigs were established and always enjoyed being around Rod. He will be missed
Donna Ronning says
Sharon: my heart hurts for you. All my prayers to you and your family.
Douglas Pownall says
My sincere condolences to the Nichols family. As a security guard for the Phillies at the RF corner entrance to the field at CBP, Rod would always find time for a quick chat on his way to bullpen when he was the bullpen coach. I always enjoyed that and appreciated his kindness and friendliness.
Michael Ettl says
Katie and Nichol’s Family. So Sorry to hear your loss. Your Father was a Professional man. I enjoyed conversations with him, He would occasionally come out n chat with me in the Dugout Suites at Coca Cola park at Lehigh Valley. Thoughts n Prayers! Mike Ettl
Greg Schulte says
My condolences to the Nichols family. Rod lived his dream. He played major league baseball, and he coached baseball pretty much on all levels. Doesn’t get any better than that. Offering up prayers for Rod and his family.
Scott Jordan says
So sorry to hear this news. Love that Rod was able to have a full career in baseball, especially after his playing days. Sharon, prayers for you and the kids!
Tom Candiotti says
I’ve been a teammate with Rod on the Indians and the Dodgers. He was my catch partner. He was always up for anything! If you wanted to golf, Rod was there. If you wanted to grab something to eat or drink, Rod was there! I think we bet each other on every golf tournament or car race that happened. Too funny. As a competitor, there was none better. He was always striving to better himself. He will be very much missed!
Dave Bresnahan says
Sincere condolences to Sharon and family. My heart aches for and with all of you. Rod was one of my favorite pitchers to ever catch. We thought alike. We shared birthdays (December 29) and I have the fondest of memories of Rod in the few years we played together in the minor leagues with the Indians (NOT Guardians!). Rod’s passion, fearlessness & courage were so admirable. He threw a little crazy in there too, just to keep things interesting. See you on the other side, Rod. We love and pray for you and your family!
Lee Ann Heimueller says
Sharon and family, I arm so sorry for your loss. I thoroughly enjoyed our time spent together. We laughed, we danced, we sang along with Garth! Gorm and I will toast you with some Canadian chocolate. You will be missed. Thoughts and prayers for all of the family.
Gorm Heimueller says
Deepest condolences Sharon, Chris, Katie, and Kellea.
My 25 year friendship with Rod was very special. 14 of those years with the Phillies. His knowledge of the game and his passion to help young players was unmatched. It was so much fun when Sharon and Rod came to SLC in 2021 to see Garth Brooks. He talked so much of his home in Helena and we areso glad we got to spend a couple of days there on our way back from Canada. Sure am going to miss our talks. RIP my friend.
kenneth fowler says
i remember him in Cleveland. once an Indian ALWAYS an Indian. too bad he couldn’t of hung around since 1993 was basically the start on the GOOD 90’S teams. may he rest in peace, 60 is too young
Juanita Blackwell says
Deepest condolences to Sharon and family. I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Sal Agostinelli says
I would like to give my heart felt condolences to the whole family. God bless you all in the tough time. Rod was a great guy a special person he was always soft spoken and a great knowledgeable baseball men. I will miss him dearly. I will miss our baseball conversations. Again god bless you all he will be missed.
Dan O’Dowd says
My deepest condolences . Rod was a great competitor and even a better man. He was always present for his family, his teammates and everyone he connected with. He was a difference maker as he was always grateful for the opportunities he was given. Special man …… RIP
PJ Forbes says
My heartfelt condolence to the Nichols family. I did not get much time with Rod when I was in the Phillies minor league system as a manager, but when he spoke you could sense the respect all in the room had for his insight. May the Lord comfort your family and welcome Rod home to the Diamond in the sky!
Thad Dohrn - Marcella's grandson says
I couldn’t have been luckier…in 1986, Rod was assigned to play for the Waterloo Indians in the Midwest League. For a 14-year-old to have a relative playing professional baseball about half an hour from our house was amazing. We took full advantage and rarely missed games that year.
Rod always took time to sign autographs and talk with us. The Indians had an amazing year – winning the Midwest League title.
Rod made it to the major leagues in 1988! Mom and Dad drove to Cleveland for his debut. I was so jealous that I didn’t get to go. I can’t even imagine how proud Albert and Linda were.
We went to games whenever we were able, and he always took time for us. Going to the Metrodome with Grandma Great, driving to old Comiskey with Grandma and Kenny Bob, or getting to hang out with a major leaguer at Spring Training. It was the ultimate baseball adventure for someone who loves baseball so much.
Years passed, and Rod changed teams, but we still had family memories around his games. We all went to see him coach against the Diamondbacks with my uncle Rusty – We got to see Rod and spend some time with Albert (always a highlight). Mom spent time cheering him on for the Iowa Cubs.
Likely my favorite memory was on July 15, 2015, when Will and I went to watch the Cubs play the Phillies in Wrigley Field. Will must have been 6 years old. Rod couldn’t have been better with Will – he leaned over the bullpen wall on the rightfield line, gave Will a ball, and took a picture. Will was so nervous – I thought he was nervous about meeting a real major league coach. He actually was nervous because I made him wear a Phillies jersey (he thought it terrible to wear a Phillies jersey in Wrigley and took it off immediately as we walked away). The date is important because his pitcher, Cole Hamels, pitched a no-hitter against the Cubs, much to the chagrin of Will.
I will never forget how Rod was my baseball hero. Getting to look up his stats in the box scores, in Sporting News, and most importantly, getting his baseball cards.
You are my baseball hero – Thanks, Rod!!!
Robert Hicks says
Way too many memories of Rodney to categorize for me. Biggest memory is getting a huge hug from him after I signed my 1st pro contract with the Phils at his kitchen table, needless to say a dream we both held and got to live. Told him he was next at the table and he was! Roommate and teammate at UNM, and then his warning to NOT miss that latter innings of a late season game in Williamsport. I was warming up in the LF bull pen when the potato appeared in the game. Classic that Rod would know, heck he probably thought it up! Rod, hope you and Jimmy are playing catch again with old Vince keeping an eye out for any shenanigans. Glad we got to connect a few back at Frogger’s memorial. It was good to see you. I will miss your not being around.
Maura Gruber says
Sharon
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss and for your family. Sending much love and hugs to you all during this time. May memories bring you peace and comfort.
Betsy Rothschild says
Sharon, prayers and love to you and the kids sent from your Brookstone family in Columbus, GA
Bob Milacki says
So sorry for your loss, rod going to be missed. Great team, coworker, and friend. He will be greatly missed.
Chip Reaves says
We are sorry to hear this, Sharon…! May God bless you, Rod and your family while keep you all in the palm of his hands during this time.
Jay Slotnick says
So sorry for your loss, Sharon. I will always remember our 1985 team at UNM and Rod’s unique personality and talent.
Parney Parnell says
I cry tears, sad for his passing, sad for your/our loss, happy for the fact that he happened and he was who he was to all of us.
Sharon, we had so many times together in Kannapolis and later Reading/Altoona. So many, so much laughter.
And of course the Parney/Nich tradition of drinking shots of Tito’s out of a turkey baster at midnight. A hallowed tradition.
Special man. Forget the baseball, which he was obviously great at. He was a present and always there friend that even if it was 6 months it felt like you had talked to him the day before.
In Altoona, we had a fireworks show planned at 9 PM. Game started at 6. Rod was pitching coach for Reading and I had told him I hoped the game doesn t go too fast. So of course, his starting pitcher cruises. At 7:55 PM, two outs bottom of the ninth, Rod calls time and goes to the mound. His starting pitcher, on like a two hitter, reacts “What the hell are you doing here?” Nich responds” Parney can t shoot fireworks for another hour I gotta do something to slow this game down”.
Rest in Peace Rod! Sharon our love, thoughts and prayers to you and the entire beautiful family Rod loved so much.
Scott Southard says
Rod and I learned to play baseball together way back in elementary school. His Dad would take us to Bataan Park, throw us pop flies, and buy us a burger from the A&W across the street. As 9 year olds we were part of an awesome 3 man pitching rotation. When we were 12 we played together on the Thunderbird Little League All-Star team. We pushed each other in class and in sports and as young men I think we made each other better people. Our families moved apart as we started middle school and we lost contact over the years. I went into the Navy while Rod followed his dream of playing baseball. As I read about his life, he had an amazing go at that. Rod is reunited with his Dad and I hope to one day catch some pop flies with him again. Rest in Peace old friend.
Judy and Chris Carrigan says
Chris and I send our sincere condolences to Sharon and the family. We are so sad for your loss and hope you can be comforted by all of your memories of Rod.
John Ennis says
So sorry for your loss. I got to be around him for 4 seasons with the Phillies and multiple fantasy football teams. One of my favorite coaches without a doubt. Quiet, but always had that grin.
—John Ennis
Nancy and Bill MacBride says
We are so sorry to hear of Rod’s passing from our son, Evan and Cody Berglind. He was so kind to those boys in Babe Ruth baseball in Helena. We certainly appreciate the time he spent coaching them and teaching them the fundamentals. What a wonderful person he was! I know you all will miss him greatly. You are all in our prayers.
Arnie Stapleton says
I played baseball with Rod in high school and against him in college. When he went pro and I joined The Associated Press after college, I caught up with him when he was with the Cleveland Indians and I was in Dallas, writing a first-person account of our friendship. Rod was so humble he kept telling me what an enviable job I had because I got to travel the world and cover sports and here I was telling him how awesome it was he made it all the way to the MLB. I will always remember Rod’s million-dollar smile and friendliness, his competitive nature on the mound and his lust for live. Rest in peace, my friend.