Former Mets coach: Tom Nieto (2005-2008)

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Thomas Andrew Nieto was born October 27th, 1960 in Downey, California. The six foot one right hand hitting catcher, attended Orel Roberts University at Tulsa Oklahoma. He was drafted twice early on but chose not to sign. He was eventually drafted in the third round by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1981.

 He was brought up to the Cardinals in 1984, as a back up catcher. In the Cardinals 1985 NL Championship season, he shared time behind the plate (95 games) with veteran Darrel Porter (84 games).

1985 Post Season: In the post season he saw limited action going hit-less in eight at bats. Nieto played in two games of the seven game World Series loss to the Kansas City Royals.

The next year he was traded to the Montreal Expos, playing behind former Met Mike Fitzgerald. By 1987 he was traded along with Jeff Reardon to the Minnesota Twins, getting to another World Series. That year his Twins beat his former Cardnial teammates in the World Series although Nieto did not see any action.

 He finished out his playing career in 1990 with the Philadelphia Phillies. In a seven year career, he batted .205 with 5 Hrs 24 doubles & 69 RBIs. In 249 games at catcher, he threw out 19% of would be base stealers & posted a .991 %.

 Retirement: After his playing days, he started a long career as a minor league manager, first for the Cincinnati Reds organization (1992-1994) with the Charleston Wheelers.

He then moved into the A.L. New York team chain (1997-2000 / 2012- 2013), St. Louis Cards (2003-2004) with the Palm Beach Cards, & Minnesota Twins (2009-2011) with the Rochester Red Wings.

In 2005 when Willie Randolph was brought in to manage the New York Mets, he took on Nieto as one of his coaches. He first was a coach for the catchers eventually moving to the first base coach position by 2007. When Randolph was let go in June of 2008, Nieto was fired as well.

He then returned to the minor leagues as manager & coach. He was with the Minnesota Twins organization from 2009- 2011, moving on to the AL New York team minors in 2012-2013.

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