Nick Chine, Longtime Grand Forks Royals Baseball Coach Nick Chine Dies at 57
The Grand Forks baseball community is mourning the sudden and profound loss of a foundational figure. Longtime Grand Forks Royals head coach Nick Chine died of a heart attack Friday morning at the age of 57.
Chine’s commitment to the Royals spanned decades, beginning with 18 years as a dedicated assistant coach before he assumed the head coaching role in 2012. His presence was a constant, right up until his passing; he was in the Royals’ dugout for a tournament game just Thursday. Before Friday’s North Dakota Class AA Legion tournament game in Fargo, a moment of silence was held in his honor, reflecting the deep respect he commanded across the state’s baseball landscape.
Those who knew him best remember a man defined by devotion—first to his family, and then to the game and the young athletes he guided. “First and foremost, he cared and loved his family deeply,” said Royals assistant and Red River High School head coach Mark Varriano, who taught alongside Chine for over 20 years. “That was the most important thing to him by far. As far as the baseball program and teaching the game, he could do that just as well as anyone else could.”
Chine’s impact was built on steady, selfless dedication. Former head coach Brent Polum, who grew close to Chine while building the program, credited him as a stabilizing force. “He kept it steady and kept it going,” Polum said, noting Chine’s humble, hands-on approach. “He cared about it. He’d cook burgers out there. He would work the concession stand. His family would take money. He gave a lot of his life and dedication to the program, and I would say took it to new heights.”
Beyond the Royals, Chine, a teacher at Red River High School, also served as an assistant coach for the Roughriders, further extending his influence on local youth. His legacy is not one of headlines, but of quiet, consistent effort—the behind-the-scenes work that builds character, community, and a lasting love for the game. He will be deeply missed.