Phillies, Twins World Series-Winning Catcher Dies Suddenly at 65

Tom Nieto, a catcher who played for two World Series teams and won a championship with the Minnesota Twins in 1987, passed away at the age of 65.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:49am

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Tom Nieto, a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Montreal Expos, Minnesota Twins, and Philadelphia Phillies, died on March 27 at the age of 65 after suffering a heart attack, according to an announcement by his sister. Nieto was part of World Series-winning teams with the Twins in 1987 and the Cardinals in 1985.

Why it matters

Nieto's passing is a somber moment for the baseball community, as he was a respected player and coach who contributed to the success of several MLB franchises over his career. His unexpected death at a relatively young age is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of honoring the legacies of those who have left an indelible mark on the sport.

The details

Nieto played parts of seven seasons in the major leagues, primarily as a backup catcher, after being drafted by the Cardinals in the third round in 1981. He was the rookie half of a catching tandem with veteran Darrell Porter on the 1985 Cardinals team that reached the World Series, and he won a championship with the Twins in 1987. Nieto retired as a player in 1991 and went on to have a coaching career, serving as the Mets' first base coach and catching instructor from 2005 to 2008 and managing at various levels in the Twins and Yankees farm systems.

  • Nieto died on March 27, 2026.
  • Nieto won the World Series with the Twins in 1987.
  • Nieto reached the World Series with the Cardinals in 1985.

The players

Tom Nieto

A former Major League Baseball catcher who played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Montreal Expos, Minnesota Twins, and Philadelphia Phillies, winning the World Series with the Twins in 1987.

Denise Nieto-Jackson

Tom Nieto's sister, who announced his passing on social media.

Darrell Porter

The veteran catcher who was part of the catching tandem with Nieto on the 1985 Cardinals team that reached the World Series.

Whitey Herzog

The manager of the 1985 Cardinals team that reached the World Series.

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What they’re saying

“Tom Nieto died after suffering a heart attack.”

— Denise Nieto-Jackson, Tom Nieto's sister

The takeaway

Nieto's passing is a somber reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of honoring the contributions of those who have left an indelible mark on the sport of baseball. His career as a player and coach spanned over three decades, and he was a respected figure within the baseball community.