TULSA, Okla. – Oral Roberts Athletics and the ORU Baseball program are deeply saddened by the passing of 2006 Hall of Fame inductee, Tom Nieto. Nieto was a member of the ORU Baseball program for the 1980-81 season, earning First-Team All-American honors in 1981, leading the Titans to a No. 5 national ranking. He passed away on March 27^th, 2026.

"Tom Nieto represented everything great about ORU Baseball — excellence, toughness, humility, and a deep love for his teammates. His impact on this program and the game of baseball will never be forgotten, and we are honored to celebrate his legacy throughout this championship week," said Director of Athletics Tim Johnson.

Nieto was drafted in the 3rd round of the 1981 MLB Draft by St. Louis and spent seven seasons in the Big Leagues. He helped the Twins to the 1987 World Series title and was part of the Cardinals' 1985 National League pennant-winning squad.

During this week's Summit League Baseball Championship, players and coaches of the ORU Baseball program will wear wristbands to honor Nieto and the legacy he left behind. The navy and white accessories will feature "Roll Eags" on one side, "425" on the opposite side and Tom Nieto's dates of life on the inside.

"Tom Nieto is one of the great names in the history of ORU Baseball. The way he competed, the way he represented this university, and the impact he had on the people around him are things our players can still learn from today," said Head Baseball Coach Ryan Folmar. "We are grateful for his legacy and honored to wear these wristbands in his memory this week."

ORU Athletics and the ORU Baseball program extend their heartfelt condolences to the Nieto family, former student-athletes, colleagues and the members of the Golden Eagle community whose lives he touched.

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