Charles “Chuck” Nieson, a right-handed pitcher who spent seven seasons in the Minnesota Twins organization and made two major league appearances during a short September call-up in 1964, passed away on April 7, 2026, in Ortonville, Minnesota. He was 83.
Born September 24, 1942, in Hanford, California, Nieson developed into a promising young arm at Fresno State University, becoming just the fifth Bulldogs player ever to reach the major leagues. The Twins signed him as an amateur free agent before the 1962 season, beginning a long and steady climb through the organization’s minor-league system.
Nieson debuted that summer with the Fort Walton Beach Jets, striking out more than a batter per inning and showing the swing-and-miss ability that would remain his calling card. He advanced to Double-A Charlotte in 1963 and then to AAA Atlanta in 1964, earning a September promotion to Minnesota at age 21.
His major league career lasted only two innings — one on September 18 and another on September 19, both at Fenway Park. In that brief window, Nieson struck out five batters, walked one, and allowed a solo home run to Boston’s Frank Malzone. His final MLB line — 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 5 SO — remains one of the more memorable “cup of coffee” stat lines in Minnesota Twins history.
Though he never returned to the majors, Nieson remained a durable and respected presence within the Twins system. He pitched for AAA Denver in 1965–66 and delivered one of his finest seasons in 1967 back at Double-A Charlotte, leading the Southern League with 200 innings and posting a 2.65 ERA. He retired after the 1968 season due to sore arm , having appeared in 263 professional games.
Away from baseball, Nieson built a life rooted in Minnesota. He lived for many years in Burnsville before settling in Clinton, Minnesota. He passed away at Fairway View Neighborhoods in Ortonville.
According to the family, no formal services will be held at this time. A Celebration of Life is planned for the summer of 2026.
Nieson’s career reflects the perseverance of the many players whose contributions unfold far from the spotlight. His brief moment on a big league mound — and his years of steady work in the Twins’ pipeline — remain part of the franchise’s long and layered history.
We at www.twinstrivia.com want to pass on our condolences to the Nieson family, friends and fans. Thank you for the memories.
Charles “Chuck” Nieson Obituary