Dolan Nichols
From BR Bullpen
Dolan Levon Nichols (Nick)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 0", Weight 195 lb.
- Debut April 15, 1958
- Final Game September 26, 1958
- Born February 28, 1930 in Tishomingo, MS USA
- Died November 20, 1989 in Tupelo, MS USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Dolan Nichols had one career save. It came on April 23, 1958 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He came in the game in the 9th after Freddy Rodriguez had walked Elmer Valo. He got Randy Jackson to hit into a 6-4-3 double play then gave up an unearned run after Pee Wee Reese reached on error by Tony Taylor (his 3rd of the game). Charlie Neal hit a triple to score Reese. Then Gil Hodges grounded back to Nichols for the last out. The Cubs won the game 7-6.
Although not the most famous one-time resident of Tupelo, MS, (he was actually born in nearby Tishomingo, five years before Elvis), Nichols did spend eight years in the Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs organizations. The right-hander was a 17 game winner at Tulsa in the Texas League in 1955, and in 1958, made 24 relief appearances for the Cubs, losing all four of his decisions.
Nichols also achieved something remarkable for a relief pitcher whose home park was Wrigley Field. He pitched 41 1/3 innings in 1958 (his only season in the big leagues) and surrendered only one home run (hit by Gene Freese of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 10th inning of a game at Wrigley on June 7, 1958).
Nichols, who was a salesman for a furniture company, died in Tupelo, MS on November 20, 1989, at age 59.
