Tom Nieto, a World Series champion with the Twins and a former coach for the Yankees and Mets, died of a heart attack at the age of 65.
Nieto died on March 27 while at his home in Florida, his sister wrote in a post on Facebook on Sunday and the Twins later confirmed the news in a social media announcement on Monday.
“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,” Denise Nieto-Jackson wrote.
Nieto played seven years in Major League Baseball as a catcher, first being drafted by the Cardinals organization in the third round of the 1981 amateur draft and made his debut in 1984.
He played the 1984 and 1985 season in St. Louis before joining for the Expos in 1986 followed by two seasons with the Twins. He finished his playing career with two seasons in Philadelphia.
Nieto reached the World Series twice in his career, first in 1985 with the Cardinals, where they lost to the Royals in seven games, and then was part of the 1987 World Series-winning Twins.
“The Twins organization mourns the loss of 1987 World Series champion, Tom Nieto. Our thoughts are with the Nieto family in their time of grieving,” the ballclub wrote on X.
After his playing career came to an end, Nieto coached in the Twins, Yankees and Cardinals systems.
From 1995-2002, he coached in the Yankees organization, which included serving as the their major league catching coach from 2000-2001.
He spent three years with the Mets beginning in 2005 after Willie Randolph was hired as Mets manager.
Nieto served as the Mets’ catching instructor before being moved to first base coach.
Nieto was let go along with Willie Randolph during the 2008 season.
