COACHING CAREER
Named Phillies bullpen coach on 10/4/12, his first ML
coaching position. Spent the last 8 seasons as the Phillies' triple-A pitching
coach at 3 different affiliates: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
(2005-06), Ottawa (2007) and Lehigh Valley (2008-12).Began his coaching career with the Phillies in 2000 and
served as the pitching coach for Piedmont (A, 2000),
Lakewood (A, 2001) and Reading (AA, 2002-04).
PITCHING CAREER
Was selected by CLE in the 5th round of the 1985
June draft. Spent parts of 7 seasons in the major leagues
(1988-93; 1995). Pitched a 7.0-inning CG (rain-shortened) in his ML
debut, 7/30/88 vs MIN. Earned his 1st ML win, 9/7/88 at NYY, over Tommy John. Pitched for the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks in Japan's Pacific
League in 1997.
PERSONAL
Rodney Lea Nichols... Married Sharon Sparks (2/8/86); has
three children: Katelyn (6/22/89), Christopher (8/21/90) and
Kellea (7/25/95)... 1982 graduate of Highland High School
(NM)... Was a 3-year baseball letterman at the University of
New Mexico and was the first player from the school to
make it to the major leagues... Played Little League and
American Legion ball... Hobby: Hiking.
