Tom Nieto, a member of the Minnesota Twins’ 1987 World Series–winning team, has passed away unexpectedly at the age of 65.
The Twins shared the news on social media Monday afternoon, following an earlier post by his sister, who revealed that he died from a heart attack.
She wrote that he passed on Friday, March 27, in Florida, surrounded by family, adding that his strength and resilience would remain an inspiration.
Nieto previously appeared in the 1985 World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals, where they lost a tightly contested 4–3 series to the Kansas City Royals after initially leading 2–0.
Two years later, he found redemption with the Twins, helping them defeat the Cardinals 4–3 to claim the championship.
In a statement, the Twins organization expressed their condolences, honoring Nieto as a 1987 champion and extending sympathy to his family during this difficult time.
After his playing career, Nieto became widely respected as a coach, particularly in New York.
He spent seven years with the Yankees from 1995 to 2002 and later joined the Mets in 2005, where he worked under manager Willie Randolph as a catching instructor before becoming a first base coach.
Over the course of his playing career, Nieto also suited up for the Montreal Expos and Philadelphia Phillies.
He later managed the Rochester Red Wings, the Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, where he was remembered as a strong leader and mentor whose impact on players and the game will not be forgotten.
