Dave Nicholson – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

David Lawrence Nicholson carved out a seven-year Major League Baseball career from 1960 to 1967, playing for four different teams and gaining a reputation for his jaw-dropping power at the plate—even though he struggled a lot with consistency. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 29, 1939, Nicholson became one of baseball’s more fascinating contradictions. He could launch home runs that seemed to defy physics, yet he also set records for strikeouts.

His career took him from the Baltimore Orioles to the Chicago White Sox, Houston Astros, and Atlanta Braves. Nicholson’s .212 career batting average might look unimpressive at first glance, but he managed 61 home runs and hit some truly legendary blasts that fans in the 1960s still remember. On May 6, 1964, he smashed a ball over the left field roof at Comiskey Park—something only three other players had ever done there.

Nicholson never became a superstar, but his story shows the dreams and harsh realities that so many pro athletes face. He had extraordinary talent in one area and real struggles in others. His path from a top amateur prospect to a journeyman outfielder gives us a glimpse into how tough and competitive Major League Baseball was in that era.

Early Life and Amateur Beginnings

Dave Nicholson was born on August 29, 1939, in St. Louis, Missouri. He started out on local baseball fields and played at Southwest High School, where his power hitting made scouts take notice.

Childhood and Family Background

Nicholson grew up in St. Louis during the 1940s and 1950s. He came from a working-class family in a city that lived and breathed baseball.

Back then, St. Louis had both the Cardinals and the Browns. Kids like Nicholson soaked up the baseball culture and found plenty of chances to hone their skills.

Even as a young player, Nicholson stood out for his raw power at the plate. His strength and swing mechanics set him apart in youth leagues.

He built his fundamentals on the local diamonds, and his family always backed his baseball dreams as he moved up through the youth ranks.

Southwest High School Baseball Career

Nicholson attended Southwest High School in Missouri and quickly became one of the area’s most feared hitters. He hit home runs that traveled distances people just didn’t see at that level.

College and pro scouts showed up at Southwest games just to watch him. Word of his power spread fast around St. Louis.

Even in high school, he struck out a lot. But his potential for crushing the ball made people overlook his contact issues.

His performance at Southwest made him a top target for major league teams. Before long, clubs started seriously talking about signing the young slugger.

Signing as an Amateur Free Agent

The Baltimore Orioles signed Nicholson as an amateur free agent in 1958. Several teams wanted him, but Baltimore put together the best offer.

Nicholson landed a $100,000 bonus from the Orioles, which was a huge sum for an amateur back then. Baltimore clearly believed he could be something special.

This signing felt like a big deal for both Nicholson and the Orioles. The team hoped he’d become a cornerstone power hitter.

Nicholson left St. Louis and jumped into his pro career. The Orioles sent him straight to their farm system to polish his game.

Major League Baseball Debut and Baltimore Orioles Years

Dave Nicholson made his MLB debut on May 24, 1960, with the Baltimore Orioles at just 20 years old. He played two seasons with Baltimore (1960 and 1962), showing off his power but also revealing the challenges of being a young player in the big leagues.

MLB Debut Season and Initial Impact

Nicholson stepped into the big leagues for the first time on May 24, 1960, with the Orioles. At 20, he was one of the youngest American League players that year.

He went hitless in three at-bats in his debut—no home runs, no RBIs. The pressure on him was huge after signing as a bonus baby.

The Orioles had invested a lot in him. They gave him a $120,000 bonus contract on January 26, 1958, which was massive for that time.

His rookie year was short and, honestly, a bit rough. He struck out 55 times in just 113 at-bats, which set the tone for his career. That’s nearly a strikeout every other trip to the plate.

Performance with the Orioles

Nicholson’s numbers in Baltimore flashed real power but also inconsistency. His towering home runs became his trademark, even early on.

He didn’t get a ton of playing time in 1960 because the Orioles wanted to develop him further. After his first stint, they sent him back to the minors.

He returned in 1962 for another shot. Baltimore hoped more seasoning would help him make better contact.

His strikeout issues didn’t go away, though. The Orioles eventually traded him to the Chicago White Sox, where he’d have his best seasons.

Notable Orioles Teammates and Events

While in Baltimore, Nicholson shared the clubhouse with future Hall of Famers and rising stars. The Orioles were building a team that would dominate the American League in the coming years.

Nicholson’s time there overlapped with this important period. His huge swing and ability to hit monster home runs made him popular with fans, even as he struggled to make consistent contact.

Teammates and coaches saw his raw talent and tried to help him improve. The Orioles decided to trade him, thinking a new environment might help him develop. That move ended up working out for both him and the White Sox.

Chicago White Sox Tenure and Breakthrough

Dave Nicholson’s time with the Chicago White Sox was the high point of his career. From 1963 to 1965, he became the power hitter the team needed, but he also set a strikeout record and hit some of the most memorable home runs in Comiskey Park history.

Multi-Player Trade and Arrival in Chicago

The White Sox traded for Nicholson in a big deal with the Orioles during the winter of 1962. They were hoping he’d finally give them the power bat they lacked.

Chicago had built its team on pitching, speed, and defense. Guys like Luis Aparicio brought speed and great fielding, but home runs were hard to come by.

Nicholson’s reputation as a top bonus baby made him an exciting addition. The team figured his raw power could be the missing piece.

This trade fit right in with Chicago’s plan to compete in a tough American League. Manager Al Lopez needed someone who could change a game with one swing.

Record-Setting 1963 Season

Nicholson’s 1963 season was unforgettable, but not always for the best reasons. He smashed 22 home runs and drove in 70 runs, making him the team’s main power threat. On the flip side, he also struck out 175 times, setting a Major League record.

He batted .229, which reflected his all-or-nothing approach. Nicholson swung hard, but breaking balls—especially sliders—gave him trouble. Pitcher Gary Peters sometimes pinch-hit for him against certain pitchers, which was pretty unusual.

Despite all the strikeouts, Nicholson led the White Sox in home runs. The team finished second in the American League, their best season in a while. His power helped keep them in the race.

Key 1963 Statistics:

• Home runs: 22
• RBIs: 70
• Strikeouts: 175 (MLB record)
• Batting average: .229

People talked more about his strikeout record than his home runs, which is kind of a shame.

Comiskey Park Iconic Home Runs

Nicholson’s most famous moment came on May 6, 1964, when he crushed a home run over the left field roof at Comiskey Park. Only Jimmie Foxx, Eddie Robinson, and Mickey Mantle had done that before.

The ball supposedly traveled 573 feet and ended up in the hands of 10-year-old Mike Murillo Jr., who was listening to the game outside the stadium. The Chicago Tribune called it “one of the most prodigious homers in major league history.”

Moe Drabowsky, pitching for Kansas City, gave up that mammoth shot. The home run came during a doubleheader sweep that put the White Sox in first place for a bit.

Some fans argued about whether the ball cleared the roof or just hit it. But an electrician named John Cook, who was working up there, said it cleared the roof.

Nicholson hit three home runs that night, including two off Drabowsky in the first game. When he connected, he could do things few others could.

Key White Sox Teammates

Nicholson played with several notable White Sox during his stint. Luis Aparicio was a veteran leader and defensive wizard at shortstop. His speed and base-stealing were the perfect complement to Nicholson’s power.

Pitcher Gary Peters was both a teammate and, at times, a pinch-hitter for Nicholson. Peters won 19 games in 1963 and 20 in 1964, anchoring the pitching staff. His willingness to hit for Nicholson showed how much the team wanted to win.

Ron Hansen and Pete Ward added offense from the infield. Their contributions helped keep the White Sox balanced, even with Nicholson’s inconsistencies.

Hoyt Wilhelm, the knuckleballer, held down the bullpen during Nicholson’s early years with the team. The veteran’s presence helped Chicago win close games, where Nicholson’s power could swing things.

The chemistry among these guys made the early 1960s a strong era for the White Sox. They worked well together and pushed the team to some of its best finishes in years.

Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves Years

After things didn’t work out in Chicago, Nicholson got traded to the Houston Astros after the 1965 season. He played one year there, then finished his MLB career with the Atlanta Braves in 1967.

Trade to Houston Astros

The White Sox sent Nicholson and catcher Bill Heath to the Astros after 1965. In return, Chicago got pitcher Jack Lamabe and some cash.

Houston hoped Nicholson’s power would boost their lineup. For Nicholson, it was another chance to start fresh.

He spent just one season in Houston before being traded again. It was the start of the last chapter in his big league career.

Notable Games and Performance in Houston

Nicholson played 76 games for the Astros in 1966. He hit .201 with 6 home runs and 19 RBIs during his only season there.

He showed flashes of power, but the same old consistency issues cropped up. The strikeouts kept piling up, and his batting average stayed low.

Even with the struggles, pitchers still had to respect his swing. He could still hit the ball a mile when he connected.

Final MLB Season with Atlanta Braves

After the 1966 season, the Astros traded Nicholson and Bob Bruce to the Atlanta Braves. The deal brought future Hall of Famer Eddie Mathews and Arnold Umbach to Houston.

Nicholson played 89 games for Atlanta in 1967, batting just .135 with 3 home runs and 10 RBIs. That year turned out to be his last in the majors.

He made his final MLB appearance on October 1, 1967, facing the Cincinnati Reds. At 28, Nicholson wrapped up his professional baseball journey.

The trade to Atlanta closed the book on his big league days. Despite his power, he just never found the consistency needed to stick around.

Playing Style, Statistics, and Achievements

Dave Nicholson built his reputation on massive power and, unfortunately, a lot of strikeouts. Over seven MLB seasons, he hit 61 home runs and finished with a .212 career average—plus that infamous strikeout record in 1963.

Power Hitting and Home Run Feats

Nicholson had ridiculous power, launching some of baseball’s most unforgettable long balls. On May 6, 1964, he smashed a ball over the left field roof at Comiskey Park.

That shot supposedly traveled about 573 feet. Before him, only Jimmie Foxx, Eddie Robinson, and Mickey Mantle had ever cleared that roof. The Chicago Tribune called it “one of the most prodigious homers in major league history,” and honestly, who could argue with that?

Outside the stadium, ten-year-old Mike Murillo Jr. caught the ball. He swapped it with Nicholson for a bat, a signed ball, and a photo with the big slugger.

That night, Nicholson hit three home runs during a doubleheader sweep. His power show helped push the White Sox into a brief first-place tie with Cleveland.

In 1963, he hit a career-high 22 home runs for Chicago. That was his only season as a regular starter in the American League, but he batted just .229.

Strikeouts and Batting Challenges

Nicholson’s power always came with some big drawbacks at the plate. He struck out a ton and just couldn’t handle breaking balls.

In 1963, he set a single-season strikeout record while playing for Chicago. Fans couldn’t really forget that. His Strat-O-Matic baseball card? It showed more than a one-in-three chance he’d strike out.

Career Batting Statistics:

• Batting Average: .212
• Games Played: 539
• Hits: 301
• RBIs: 179

Sometimes, White Sox pitcher Gary Peters pinch-hit for Nicholson against certain pitchers. Peters once said Nicholson “had a lot of trouble with certain guys who had good sliders.”

So, a pitcher batted for the team’s power hitter. Peters admitted Nicholson “swung hard,” but “couldn’t adjust for the breaking ball very good.”

Career Milestones and Records

Nicholson played for four MLB teams from 1960 to 1967. He started with Baltimore, found his stride in Chicago, and finished up with Houston and Atlanta.

His 1963 season was his best. He led the White Sox in home runs, and the team finished second in the American League. “We had a pretty good year, we finished second,” Nicholson remembered. “The only bad thing is, I struck out so much.”

The $100,000 bonus baby became a key part of a big trade between Baltimore and Chicago in 1962. His 22 homers and 70 RBIs in 1963 made a real impact for Chicago.

Nicholson retired after the 1967 season with Atlanta. In his last game, he went 0-for-3, quietly ending his career. Later on, he admitted, “I just didn’t hit enough. The only decent year I had” was 1963.

Retirement, Post-Baseball Life, and Legacy

Dave Nicholson finished his baseball career with the Atlanta Braves in 1967 after eight seasons in the majors. He struggled with health issues later in life and passed away in 2023 at age 83.

Retirement in 1967 and Final Transactions

Nicholson played his final major league season with the Atlanta Braves in 1967. His last game wasn’t much to remember—he went 0-for-3.

He wrapped up his career after bouncing between several teams. He started with the Baltimore Orioles in 1960 and 1962, then spent three seasons with the Chicago White Sox from 1963-1965.

The Houston Astros picked him up in 1966, then he finished in Atlanta. He just couldn’t make enough contact to stick around longer.

“I just didn’t hit enough,” Nicholson said years later. He always looked back at 1963 as the “only decent year I had,” even though he could hit the ball a mile.

Life after Baseball

After retiring, Nicholson kept a pretty low profile. He settled into a quieter life, far from the attention his massive home runs once brought.

Health problems hit him hard in his later years. In 2016, at age 76, he went through major lung surgery, losing a chunk of tissue about the size of his fist.

He’d been a heavy smoker, sometimes going through a pack and a half of cigarettes daily during his playing days. That habit definitely played a part in his later respiratory problems.

“I’m trying to recover,” he said, his voice raspy, in January 2016 after getting out of the hospital on Christmas Eve. The surgery left him weak, mostly sitting in a chair every day.

His wife Jeannie stood by him through it all. She even took him golfing to help him stay active, though she sometimes worried it might do more harm than good.

Honors and Remembrance

Most people remember Nicholson for his May 6, 1964 home run that soared over the left field roof at Comiskey Park. Before him, only Jimmie Foxx, Eddie Robinson, and Mickey Mantle managed to do it.

The Chicago Tribune described it as “one of the most prodigious homers in major league history.” The team guessed the ball traveled 573 feet, landing right in the hands of 10-year-old Mike Murillo Jr.

Baseball researchers and fans still argue about whether the ball actually cleared the roof or just bounced off it. Some folks sitting in the upper deck said they heard a sound as the ball vanished over the old wooden roof.

David Lawrence Nicholson died on February 25, 2023, at the age of 83. He struck out a lot, sure, but people still remember him for that raw power and those towering home runs from baseball’s wild 1960s.

His 1963 season kind of summed up his style. He led the American League with 175 strikeouts but also hit 22 home runs, showing off that all-or-nothing approach that made his career short but pretty unforgettable.