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
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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. 😢