Nickerson won the 2006 College World Series while playing for the Oregon State Beavers and was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.

He lettered 3 times in baseball and held a successful career at Oregon City.

A 6'1", 190 lb right-hander, Nickerson posted a record of 13–4 during the 2006 season, including three games (two victories and one no-decision) during the College World Series; one of them, a victory against Rice University which qualified the Beavers for the Finals, came on two days' rest.

Jonah was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 7th round of the 2006 Major League Baseball draft.

During the 2009 season he was a starting pitcher for the Tigers Class AA affiliate Erie SeaWolves of the Eastern League.