Rod Nichols: Phillies Bullpen Coach

Today at TBOH we’ll continue our 9-part series on the Philadelphia Phillies’ uniformed coaching staff with an eye on bullpen coach Rod Nichols.

Nichols has been a long-standing member of the Phillies organization. He joined the Class- A affiliate Piedmont in 2000 as a pitching coach. From 2001-12, he served throughout the organization as a pitching coach for Phillies’ affiliates Lakewood (Class-A), Reading (AA), Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AAA), Ottawa (AAA), and Lehigh Valley (AAA).

More from Phillies News

• Bryce Harper’s absence should lead to Phillies lineup tinkering
• Pirates’ bizarre Vince Velasquez hype video will make Phillies fans laugh
• Acquiring Brandon Marsh gave the Phillies flexibility
• Former Phillies starter Zach Eflin shares heartwarming goodbye message
• Is Rhys Hoskins the future at first base for the Phillies beyond 2023?

After the 2012 season, the Phillies orchestrated a coaching shake-up, which included moving their bullpen coach Mick Billmeyer to the Catching Coach position. A few weeks later, the team brought in Nichols to fill his current role for the 2013 season.

For the Phillies, their Bullpen Coach is charged with monitoring relievers’ warm-ups and informing the dugout staff when they are ready to come into the game. Nichols can also be seen assisting his relievers with mechanical adjustments.

Nichols began his professional playing career in 1985 when he was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the fifth round. By 1988 he had reached the major leagues, where he spent parts of five seasons with Cleveland and one with the Dodgers.

After not reaching the majors in 1994 while with the Kansas City Royals organization, Nichols had a brief stint with the Atlanta Braves in 1995, which proved to be his final season. Spanning seven seasons in the majors, Nichols finished his career with 11 wins, 214 strike outs, and a 4.43 ERA.