Steve Nicosia – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

You probably won’t find Steve Nicosia’s name on baseball’s most famous lists, but his eight-year run as a catcher really left a mark on the sport. Born in Paterson, New Jersey, Nicosia played for four Major League teams between 1978 and 1985. He suited up for the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, Montreal Expos, and Toronto Blue Jays.

Nicosia’s biggest moment came as a member of the 1979 World Series champion Pittsburgh Pirates. He served as the team’s platoon catcher and started four games in the World Series against the Baltimore Orioles. The right-handed catcher was behind the plate for the Pirates’ Game Seven victory, which clinched the championship. Over his career, he posted a .248 batting average, hit 11 home runs, and drove in 88 runs across 358 games.

Nicosia’s baseball story really shows what happens when a skilled player pushes his abilities in an era filled with tough competition. From his first-round draft pick in 1973 to his final season in 1985, he experienced both the grind and the rewards of professional baseball in the late ’70s and early ’80s.

Early Life and High School Baseball

Steven Richard Nicosia was born August 6, 1955, in Paterson, New Jersey, to Berniero and Grace Cardinale Nicosia. The family later moved to Florida, where Steve found his athletic talents and developed the skills that eventually led him to professional baseball at North Miami Beach High School.

Family Background and Upbringing

Steve grew up in a working-class family in Paterson, New Jersey. His father, Jerry, worked as a presser in a clothing shop and didn’t finish high school. His mom, Grace, attended three years of high school and worked as a cleaner in a clothing shop.

Steve had two older siblings, Nicholas and Lillian. Nicholas, who was eight years older, became Steve’s first mentor in baseball.

In August 1972, tragedy hit when Steve’s father died at age 54. This loss happened during Steve’s high school years, just before his junior season.

After moving south to Florida, Steve finished his education there. The family settled in the North Miami Beach area, and honestly, this move changed Steve’s baseball future. Florida’s warm weather meant he could play baseball all year.

Athletic Pursuits at North Miami Beach High School

At North Miami Beach High School, Steve played more than just baseball. He also played soccer and football, which helped him become a better all-around athlete.

His baseball career almost ended before it started. As a sophomore, Steve tried pitching, but it was a disaster. He hit batters with his first two pitches, walked the next guy on four pitches, and then gave up a grand slam.

“I could see I probably wasn’t going to make the big leagues as a pitcher,” Nicosia later admitted. “I couldn’t even make the second inning.”

When North Miami Beach High School opened across the street from his house, Steve transferred and made a big decision. He volunteered to catch for the baseball team. That choice really set him on the path to professional baseball.

During his senior year, he played alongside William Eve, who later became a 27th round draft pick of the San Francisco Giants. Unfortunately, a pulled muscle in his right shoulder kept Steve out of his last eight high school games. That injury probably affected his draft position.

Influence of Mentors and Coaches

Nicholas Nicosia, Steve’s brother, shaped Steve’s early baseball journey more than anyone else. The big age gap let Nicholas guide his little brother from the very start. “My brother was always an inspiration and a mentor to me,” Steve said in 2013. “He taught me everything I know, from the time I was 4 years old.”

Nicholas pushed Steve to start playing baseball, and that encouragement really mattered. The older brother’s guidance gave Steve a strong foundation in the game.

Steve’s American Legion coach, Fred Hannum, played a big part in his future as well. Hannum worked as a bird dog scout for the Pittsburgh Pirates and kept them updated on Steve’s shoulder injury. That connection helped when the draft rolled around.

Pirates scout Howie Haak discovered Nicosia during his high school days in Miami. Haak said the young catcher had a “gun” for an arm. Haak’s recommendation meant a lot to the Pirates, since he’d already helped them draft Roberto Clemente years earlier.

Former Pirates manager Danny Murtaugh also checked out Nicosia during a high school all-star game. Murtaugh agreed that the young catcher was ready for first-round draft consideration.

Path to Professional Baseball

Steve Nicosia’s journey from high school standout to professional baseball really started when the Pittsburgh Pirates noticed his talent behind the plate. The New Jersey-born catcher caught legendary scout Howie Haak’s eye, which led to his selection as the first catcher ever chosen by Pittsburgh in the first round of the amateur draft.

1973 Amateur Draft Selection

The Pittsburgh Pirates picked Steve Nicosia as the 24th overall pick in the 1973 amateur draft, making him their first catcher ever taken in the first round. That was a big moment for the organization.

Nicosia was one of 88 catchers picked in the 1973 draft. Only eight of those players made it to the majors, including Eddie Murray, who went on to the Hall of Fame after being picked by the Orioles in the third round.

Pirates farm director Harding Peterson admitted, “We were surprised that no one drafted Nicosia before us,” showing just how much the team valued him at the 24th pick.

A lingering shoulder injury may have hurt his draft stock. Nicosia missed his last eight high school games due to a pulled muscle in his right shoulder, which probably made some teams hesitate.

Scouting Reports and Signing

Howie Haak, the legendary Pirates scout, played a huge role in Nicosia’s selection. Haak, who had helped bring Roberto Clemente to Pittsburgh, said the young catcher had a “gun” for an arm.

Haak’s endorsement meant a lot to the organization. He even rated Nicosia among the top six prospects in the country, which justified the first-round pick.

Former Pirates manager Danny Murtaugh also liked what he saw from Nicosia at a high school all-star game. Murtaugh agreed the catcher was worth a first-round pick.

The Pirates signed Nicosia with a $50,000 bonus. That investment showed they really believed he could become a major league catcher, despite his injury.

Transition from High School to Minor Leagues

At only 17, Nicosia started his professional career with the Charleston club in the Class A Western Carolinas League. He was the youngest guy on the team and quickly learned how tough pro baseball could be.

“I had never played every day before,” Nicosia said about his adjustment. “I got off to a good start, but after two weeks I got tired. I caught 30 straight games. My body couldn’t cope with playing every day.”

His early minor league stats reflected the struggle. He hit .230 and had 23 passed balls in 53 games at Charleston.

Nicosia played alongside notable prospects like John Candelaria and Willie Randolph in the Pirates’ system. Manager Chuck Cottier’s coaching helped speed up Nicosia’s development as a pro.

Minor League Development

Steve Nicosia spent five seasons sharpening his skills in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ farm system from 1973 to 1978. Playing for teams like the Charleston Pirates and Sherbrooke Pirates, he learned what it took to become a major league-ready catcher.

Key Minor League Teams and Performances

Nicosia kicked off his professional career with the Charleston Pirates in 1973. The team played in the Carolina League, where young players learned the ropes.

He later joined the Sherbrooke Pirates in the Eastern League. That Double-A team was a big step for players aiming for the majors.

He also played for the Shreveport Captains in the Texas League, a league known for producing tough, skilled catchers.

Throughout his minor league career, Nicosia hit .279 with 47 home runs and 287 RBIs across 538 games. Those numbers showed he could produce offensively, which kept him on the Pirates’ radar.

He finished his minor league journey with the Charleston Charlies and Columbus Clippers. The Columbus team, in the International League, was Pittsburgh’s top affiliate and the last stop before the big leagues.

Achievements and All-Star Selections

Nicosia’s minor league performance didn’t go unnoticed in the Pirates organization. His steady hitting and defense behind the plate made him a top prospect.

He worked well with pitchers, which became one of his best assets. That skill helped him move up through the farm system.

Every season, he seemed to get a little better. The Pirates’ coaches saw his potential early on.

By 1978, Nicosia had become one of the organization’s top catching prospects. That year, his performance earned him a call-up to the majors.

Role of Coaches and Teammates

Minor league coaches really helped Nicosia develop as a catcher. They worked with him on pitch calling, game management, and defense.

Chuck Cottier and other coaches in the Pirates system taught him how to handle different pitchers and game situations.

He worked with future big league pitcher John Candelaria in the minors, which gave both players a better understanding of what it took to succeed.

Veteran players in the system shared their experience with Nicosia. That mentorship helped him develop the mental side of catching.

The competitive atmosphere in the minors pushed Nicosia to keep improving. He learned to adjust his approach for each league and level of competition.

Major League Career Highlights

Steve Nicosia played in the majors for eight seasons from 1978 to 1985. He made his biggest impact as a backup catcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 1979 World Series championship team. His journey through four franchises showed off his defensive skills and his knack for working with pitching staffs.

Joining the Pittsburgh Pirates

Nicosia debuted in the majors with the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 8, 1978, at 22 years old. The Pirates had picked him 24th overall in the 1973 draft, making him their first-ever first-round catcher.

He spent five years working his way up through the Pirates’ minor league system before getting his shot. His breakthrough came after batting .322 for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers in 1978, which was good for second in the International League.

He notched his first big league hit on April 7, 1979, against the Montreal Expos—a home run off pitcher Ross Grimsley. That set the tone for what would become his best MLB season.

Role During the 1979 World Series

Nicosia played a huge part in the Pirates’ 1979 World Series win over the Baltimore Orioles. Manager Chuck Tanner started him as catcher in four of the seven games, including the all-important Game Seven.

His defense mattered more than his offense in that series. He went just 1-for-16 at the plate, but made several key plays behind the plate.

Key World Series Moments:

• Tagged out Ken Singleton at home plate in Game Three
• Started behind the plate when Kent Tekulve closed out Game Seven
• Called pitches effectively, helping Pirates pitchers succeed

Nicosia later talked about his respect for Tanner, especially after the manager started him in Game Seven despite his struggles at the plate.

Platooning with Ed Ott

In 1979 and 1980, Nicosia split catching duties with Ed Ott, and the platoon actually worked pretty well. During his rookie year in 1979, he hit .288 over 70 games, which turned out to be his best offensive season in the majors.

Pittsburgh’s championship team relied on this platoon. Nicosia caught certain pitchers and situations, while Ott brought his own strengths behind the plate.

When the Pirates traded Ott to the California Angels before 1981, people figured Nicosia would finally get the starting job. Instead, the Pirates called up Tony Peña from Triple-A, and Peña quickly took over as starter.

After Peña arrived, Nicosia saw his playing time drop off. He played in just 39 games in 1982, dealing with injuries and knee surgeries along the way.

Career with Additional MLB Teams

In 1983, after going 6-for-46, the Pirates traded Nicosia to the San Francisco Giants in August. The deal sent him and some cash to San Francisco for Milt May, who had previously played for Pittsburgh.

With the Giants in 1984, Nicosia got another shot at a starting job. He hit .303 in 48 games, but an early wrist injury let Bob Brenly snatch the starting spot.

MLB Career Statistics:

• Teams: Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, Montreal Expos, Toronto Blue Jays
• Career Batting Average: .248
• Home Runs: 11
• RBIs: 88
• Games Played: 358

Nicosia wrapped up his career with short stints for the Montreal Expos and Toronto Blue Jays in 1985. Even though injuries kept nagging at him, he earned a reputation as a reliable backup catcher who really knew how to work with pitchers.

Player Performance and Statistics

Steve Nicosia spent eight seasons in the majors from 1978 to 1985, finishing with a .248 batting average and consistent defensive work behind the plate. His best offensive year came in 1979, hitting .288 for Pittsburgh, and his catching skills helped anchor some pretty competitive teams.

Batting Average and Offensive Output

Nicosia’s career batting average landed at .248 over 358 games. He picked up 233 hits, 11 home runs, and 88 RBIs during his time in the majors.

His best offensive numbers came in 1979. That season, he batted .288 with 55 hits in 191 at-bats. He also posted a .364 on-base percentage and a .435 slugging percentage.

The 1979 season was the only time he had more than 200 plate appearances. He played in 70 games, drove in 13 runs, and scored 22 times.

Career Offensive Numbers:

• Games: 358
• Hits: 233
• Home runs: 11
• RBIs: 88
• Runs scored: 86

His hitting tailed off in later years. In his last season, 1985, he batted just .186 between Montreal and Toronto.

Defensive Contributions as Catcher

Nicosia spent most of his career as a catcher, offering steady defense for four different teams. He stuck behind the plate throughout his MLB run.

From 1978 to 1983, Nicosia caught for the Pittsburgh Pirates, mostly as a backup and sometimes as a starter. His defense kept him on rosters even when his bat cooled off.

The Pirates really valued his game-calling and the way he worked with pitchers. He caught during Pittsburgh’s competitive years in the early ‘80s.

Later on, he brought veteran leadership as a backup. The Giants, Expos, and Blue Jays all leaned on his defensive experience.

He managed pitching staffs and handled all the tough defensive work that comes with catching.

Notable Game Performances

Nicosia played in the 1979 World Series with Pittsburgh, appearing in four games during their championship run. He picked up one hit in 16 at-bats during the postseason.

His most productive season, 1979, saw him set career highs in several categories, including batting average and on-base percentage.

In 1984 with San Francisco, he bounced back on offense. He hit .303 in 48 games, collecting 40 hits and 19 RBIs.

His brief time with Toronto in 1985 gave him his only American League experience. He played six games and hit .267 before hanging up his spikes.

That 1979 World Series title with Pittsburgh stands out as his biggest team achievement. He chipped in as a backup catcher during the playoff run.

Later Career and Retirement

Steve Nicosia’s final years in the majors saw him bouncing between teams and getting less playing time. He finished up with the Toronto Blue Jays in September 1985 after brief stops with three different clubs.

Final MLB Seasons and Team Transitions

Nicosia’s later career took a turn in August 1983. The Pirates traded him to the San Francisco Giants for veteran catcher Milt May and cash.

He stayed with the Giants through 1984, mostly sticking to the backup catcher role he’d grown used to.

After the 1984 season, Nicosia hit free agency on November 8, 1984. He signed with the Montreal Expos on February 15, 1985, hoping for more playing time.

His time with the Expos didn’t last long. They released him on August 22, 1985, just a few months after he joined.

Within two weeks, Nicosia landed another shot. The Toronto Blue Jays picked him up on September 1, 1985, giving him one last chance in the majors.

Retirement in 1985

Nicosia’s MLB career ended on September 27, 1985, in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers. In his final appearance, he went 1-for-4 and drove in a run.

At 30, Nicosia had outlasted the average catcher’s career. The physical grind of the position definitely took its toll over those eight years.

His final numbers tell the story: a .248 batting average, 11 home runs, and 88 RBIs over 358 games. Sure, those stats aren’t flashy, but they reflect nearly a decade in the big leagues.

The 1985 season closed the book on his professional playing days. He played for four teams and earned a World Series ring with the Pirates in 1979.

Legacy and Post-Baseball Life

Steve Nicosia left a legacy built on clutch performances in big moments and a reputation as a reliable teammate who understood the mental game of catching. He influenced the teams he played for with his knack for handling pitchers and his memorable success against ace pitchers like Steve Carlton.

Impact on Teams and Teammates

Nicosia made his biggest mark during the Pirates’ 1979 World Series run. He started four games in the Series, including the deciding Game Seven win over the Orioles.

His defense mattered in big moments. In Game Three, he tagged out Ken Singleton at home, keeping Pittsburgh ahead 3-2. Teammates praised his pitch selection—Jim Rooker credited him after a strong Game Five.

Manager Chuck Tanner trusted Nicosia enough to start him in Game Seven against lefty Scott McGregor, even though Nicosia had struggled at the plate. Looking back, Nicosia said he’d “cherish the rest of my life” winning that game.

Team Chemistry Contributions:

• Joined in team bonding activities encouraged by Tanner
• Kept a positive attitude despite being in a platoon
• Earned respect from teammates for his baseball smarts

Recognition and Influence

Nicosia built his baseball reputation on handling pitchers and stepping up against tough competition. His most impressive stat? A .339 batting average against Hall of Famer Steve Carlton in 60 plate appearances.

He hit so well against Carlton that managers often penciled him into the lineup just for those matchups. He actually faced Carlton more than any other pitcher in his career.

Managers and scouts noticed his catching skills. Pirates scout Howie Haak called his arm a “gun,” and minor league manager Johnny Lipon said he was “the finest young catcher I’ve ever seen.”

Career Highlights:

• 1979 World Series champ
• .339 career average vs. Steve Carlton
• First-round draft pick (24th overall, 1973)

Connections to Baseball Community

After he retired in 1985, Nicosia stayed in touch with people from the baseball world. He kept sharing stories and memories with old teammates and even a few rivals.

His eight years in the majors helped him build strong friendships across different teams. The Pirates always meant a lot to Nicosia, and he often talked about how grateful he felt for manager Chuck Tanner, especially during that wild 1979 World Series run.

Nicosia’s journey through the Pirates’ minor league system let him connect with future stars like Willie Randolph and John Candelaria. He built many of these friendships while developing his game in Charleston, playing for manager Chuck Cottier.

Professional Network:

• Former Pirates teammates from the 1979 championship team
• Minor league connections from a six-year development stretch
• Relationships with coaches and managers across four MLB organizations