Bob's son Jay Nilsson began his minor league career in 2006.

Bob Nilsson was the first Australian of the modern era to sign a professional contract with an MLB team, inking a deal with the Cincinnati Reds in 1978.

[citation needed] When the Australian Baseball League was founded in 1989–1990, Bob was one of the early stars.

He was named to the ABL All-Star team as the top relief pitcher.

[1] He had his worst year in 1992–1993, going 3–1 with 9 saves and a 5.08 ERA for the Brisbane Bandits and allowing a .327 average.

Through 2006–2007, he ranks 8th in the history of Australian leagues in ERA (right behind Shayne Bennett), 15th in innings pitched (328, despite only 8 starts), first in games pitched (194, 33 ahead of Grahame Cassel), 6th in wins, tied for 9th in losses and first in saves (10 ahead of Jones).

[3] Bob's sons Jay and Ryan as well as nephew Daniel play for the Redcliffe Padres.