Trot Nixon

Last updated

There were a couple of times—my first at-bat and coming out of the game. It really was, because this is the only organization I've ever known. There was [ sic ] definitely a couple of times out there that I did want to break down. I really did care about this organization. I did care about this town. I think this town has been unbelievable for my family and me. Absolutely unbelievable. I think there's a lot of guys in this organization who feel the same way.

— Trot Nixon, [7] The Patriot Ledger

After the 2006 season, the Red Sox did not offer Nixon salary arbitration as the team pursued and eventually signed free agent J. D. Drew and had a fourth outfielder, Wily Mo Peña, on the roster. [8]

Cleveland Indians

Nixon with the Cleveland Indians in 2007 Trot Nixon 2007.jpg
Nixon with the Cleveland Indians in 2007

In January 2007, Nixon signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Cleveland Indians. Instead of wearing number 7 as he had in Boston, Nixon chose number 33. The decision was made in part by his son Chase, based on the fact that Nixon turned 33 years old that April.

Arizona Diamondbacks

In February 2008, he signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Arizona Diamondbacks and was subsequently sent to their Triple-A affiliate the Tucson Sidewinders. [9]

New York Mets

On June 13, 2008, Nixon was acquired by the New York Mets from the Diamondbacks for cash considerations and a player to be named later. The Mets acquired him to replace injured outfielder Moisés Alou. He was added to the Mets roster on June 15, replacing outfielder Chris Aguila who was designated for assignment. [10] [11] The same day he was activated, Nixon started in right field against the Texas Rangers. [12] However, he finished the season on the disabled list.

Milwaukee Brewers

On December 18, 2008, Nixon signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. He was put onto the inactive roster. After his release from the Brewers in March 2009, Nixon retired from baseball.

Legacy

In 1092 games over 12 seasons, Nixon posted a .274 batting average (995-for-3627) with 579 runs, 222 doubles, 28 triples, 137 home runs, 555 RBI, 30 stolen bases, 504 bases on balls, .364 on-base percentage and .464 slugging percentage. Defensively, he recorded a .983 fielding percentage primarily as a right fielder but also has played at center and left field. In 42 postseason games, he was productive, batting .283 (39-for-138) with 18 runs, 11 doubles, 6 home runs, 25 RBI and 14 walks. [3]

Nixon was often described as a "Dirt Dog", and nicknamed "the Dirt Dog" or the "original dirt dog". [13] [14] [15] [16]

[17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] He was known for wearing a hat covered in dirt, as well as a dirty batting helmet. [22] [23] [24] [25]

The area in Connecticut between Boston and New York City, has been referred to as the "Munson–Nixon line", a play on the Mason–Dixon line, after Nixon and former Yankee Thurman Munson. [26] [27] Steve Rushin, who coined the term in a 2003 Sports Illustrated article, has pinpointed the line as running north of New Haven, south of Hartford, and along the width of central Connecticut. [28] [29]

In 2010, Red Sox manager Terry Francona compared rookie Red Sox outfielder Ryan Kalish's intensity and aggressiveness to Nixon's. [30] [31]

In October 2018, Nixon threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the American League Division Series to Dustin Pedroia, and collected donations outside of Fenway Park for Hurricane Florence victims. [32]

In 2020, Nixon was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. [33] He was inducted in the Red Sox Hall of Fame in May 2024. [34]

Personal life

Nixon became an evangelical Christian in 1993. Nixon said he relied on his faith as a calming influence on the field. [35]

Nixon is married to his wife, Kathryn, with whom he has two sons, Chase (born September 11, 2001) and Luke (born October 1, 2004). He was flying back to Boston to be at Chase's birth when air traffic was halted due to the September 11 attacks on the United States. [36]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2003 American League Championship Series</span> 34th edition of Major League Baseballs American League Championship Series

The 2003 American League Championship Series (ALCS) was played between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees from October 8 to 16, 2003. The Yankees won the series four games to three to advance to the World Series, where they lost in six games to the National League champion Florida Marlins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jason Varitek</span> American baseball player (born 1972)

Jason Andrew Varitek, nicknamed "Tek", is an American professional baseball coach and former catcher. He is the game planning coordinator, a uniformed coaching position, for the Boston Red Sox. After being traded as a minor league prospect by the Seattle Mariners, Varitek played his entire 15-year career in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Red Sox. A three-time All-Star and Gold Glove Award winner at catcher, as well as a Silver Slugger Award winner, Varitek was part of both the 2004 World Series and 2007 World Series Championship teams, and was viewed widely as one of the team's leaders. In December 2004 he was named the captain of the Red Sox, only their fourth captain since 1923. He was a switch-hitter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Víctor Martínez (baseball)</span> Venezuelan baseball player

Víctor Jesús Martínez, also known by his nickname "V-Mart", is a Venezuelan former professional baseball designated hitter and catcher. Martínez played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, and Detroit Tigers. After joining the Tigers, he played mostly as a designated hitter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2004 American League Championship Series</span> 35th edition of Major League Baseballs American League Championship Series

The 2004 American League Championship Series was the Major League Baseball playoff series deciding the 2004 season American League champion earning the privilege to play in the 2004 World Series. A rematch of the 2003 American League Championship Series, it was played between the Boston Red Sox, who had won the AL wild card and defeated the Anaheim Angels in the American League Division Series, and the New York Yankees, who had won the AL East with the best record in the AL and defeated the Minnesota Twins. The Red Sox became the first team in MLB history to force a Game 7 after going down 3–0 in a series, and they remain the only team in MLB history to come back from a 3–0 series deficit to ultimately win a best-of-seven series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2004 World Series</span> 100th edition of Major League Baseballs championship series

The 2004 World Series was the championship series of Major League Baseball's (MLB) 2004 season. The 100th edition of the World Series, it was a best-of-seven playoff between the American League (AL) champion Boston Red Sox and the National League (NL) champion St. Louis Cardinals; the Red Sox swept the Cardinals in four games. The series was played from October 23 to 27, 2004, at Fenway Park and Busch Memorial Stadium, broadcast on Fox, and watched by an average of just under 25.5 million viewers. The Red Sox's World Series championship was their first since 1918, ending the Curse of the Bambino.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alex Cora</span> Puerto Rican baseball player and manager (born 1975)

Jose Alexander Cora is a Puerto Rican baseball manager and former infielder who is the manager of the Boston Red Sox in Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played in MLB for 14 seasons with the Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Cleveland Indians, New York Mets, Texas Rangers, and Washington Nationals. After retiring as a player, Cora served as the bench coach for the Houston Astros when they won their first World Series title in 2017. Cora was named Boston's manager the following season, winning a franchise-best 108 games and leading the team to victory in the 2018 World Series. He is the fifth MLB manager to win the World Series in his first season and the first Puerto Rican manager of a World Series-winning team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kelly Shoppach</span> American baseball player (born 1980)

Kelly Brian Shoppach is an American former professional baseball catcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners and Pittsburgh Pirates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manny Ramirez</span> Dominican-American baseball player (born 1972)

Manuel Arístides Ramírez Onelcida is a Dominican-American former professional baseball outfielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for parts of 19 seasons. He played with the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays before playing one season at the Chinese Professional Baseball League in Taiwan. Ramirez is recognized for having great batting skill and power. He was a nine-time Silver Slugger and was one of 28 players to hit 500 career home runs. His 21 grand slams are third all-time, and his 29 postseason home runs are the most in MLB history. He appeared in 12 All-Star Games, with a streak of eleven consecutive games beginning in 1998 that included every season that he played with the Red Sox.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hanley Ramírez</span> Dominican baseball player (born 1983)

Hanley Ramírez is a Dominican-American former professional baseball shortstop. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox, Florida / Miami Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Cleveland Indians. Ramírez is a three-time MLB All-Star and received the 2006 National League Rookie of the Year Award. While he played the majority of his career at shortstop, he also played first base, third base and left field.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vernon Wells</span> American baseball player (born 1978)

Vernon Wells III is an American former professional baseball center fielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and the New York Yankees.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steve Lyons (baseball)</span> American baseball player

Stephen John Lyons is an American former professional baseball player who previously worked as a television sportscaster for the New England Sports Network (NESN). He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for four teams over a period of nine seasons (1985–1993), including four stints with the Boston Red Sox. He was initially an outfielder and third baseman, but found a niche as a utility player. After his retirement as a player, he became a television baseball commentator. In 2021, NESN announced Lyons would not be returning to his in-studio pre- and post-game analyst role.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stephen Drew</span> American baseball player (born 1983)

Stephen Oris Drew is an American former professional baseball infielder. He played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Washington Nationals. His two brothers, outfielder J.D. and pitcher Tim, also played in MLB.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Murphy (baseball)</span> American baseball player (born 1981)

David Matthew Murphy is an American former professional baseball outfielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2007 World Series</span> 103rd edition of Major League Baseballs championship series

The 2007 World Series was the championship series of Major League Baseball's (MLB) 2007 season. The 103rd edition of the World Series, it was a best-of-seven playoff between the National League (NL) champion Colorado Rockies and the American League (AL) champion Boston Red Sox; the Red Sox swept the Rockies in four games.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2004 Boston Red Sox season</span> Major League Baseball season

The 2004 Boston Red Sox season was the 104th season in the franchise's Major League Baseball history. Managed by Terry Francona, the Red Sox finished with a 98–64 record, three games behind the New York Yankees in the American League East. The Red Sox qualified for the postseason as the AL wild card, swept the Anaheim Angels in the ALDS, and faced the Yankees in the ALCS for the second straight year. After losing the first three games to the Yankees and trailing in the ninth inning of the fourth game, the Red Sox became the first team in major league history to come back from a three-game postseason deficit, defeating the Yankees in seven games. The Red Sox then swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, capturing their first championship since 1918.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mitch Moreland</span> American baseball player (born 1985)

Mitchell Austin Moreland, nicknamed "2-Bags", is an American former professional baseball first baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, and Oakland Athletics. Moreland attended Mississippi State University and was drafted by the Rangers as a first baseman and outfielder in the 17th round of the 2007 MLB draft. Listed at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) and 230 pounds (100 kg), Moreland both batted and threw left-handed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jackie Bradley Jr.</span> American baseball player (born 1990)

Jackie Bradley Jr., nicknamed "JBJ", is an American professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, Toronto Blue Jays, and Kansas City Royals. Listed at 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) and 200 pounds (91 kg), he bats left and throws right-handed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Xander Bogaerts</span> Aruban baseball player (born 1992)

Xander Jan Bogaerts is an Aruban professional baseball shortstop and second baseman for the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Boston Red Sox. He represents the Netherlands national baseball team in international competition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andrew Benintendi</span> American baseball player (born 1994)

Andrew Sebastian Benintendi is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Royals, and New York Yankees.

Marcelo Mayer is an American professional baseball shortstop in the Boston Red Sox organization. He was selected by the Red Sox fourth overall in the first round of the 2021 Major League Baseball draft.

References

  1. ↑ "TheWolfpackCentral - NCSU football experienced an event-filled offseason 25 years ago". August 15, 2018.
  2. ↑ "Trot Nixon Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
  3. 1 2 Trot Nixon (Baseball Reference)
  4. ↑ Trot Nixon loses grip on bat, sends it flying past Ryan Rupe, November 5, 2013, archived from the original on December 21, 2021, retrieved August 18, 2019
  5. ↑ Writer, PAUL DOYLE; Courant Staff (May 15, 2002). "NIXON ILL; APPEAL DROPPED". courant.com. Retrieved August 18, 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ↑ "ESPN.com: MLB - Boston's Nixon, Castillo hit with suspensions". a.espncdn.com. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
  7. ↑ "Title Unknown". The Patriot Ledger . Archived from the original on June 3, 2009.
  8. ↑ Edes, Gordon (December 2, 2006). "No arbitration for Nixon". The Boston Globe.
  9. ↑ "Time running out for ex-Red Sox right fielder Trot Nixon". Boston Herald. May 27, 2008. Retrieved May 27, 2008.
  10. ↑ "Nixon traded, and promoted, to Mets". Boston Globe. June 14, 2008. Retrieved June 17, 2008.
  11. ↑ "New York Mets Transactions: June 2008". MLB.com . June 15, 2008. Retrieved June 17, 2008.
  12. ↑ "Mets' rally falls short in first game of doubleheader". ESPN. June 16, 2008. Archived from the original on June 18, 2008. Retrieved June 17, 2008.
  13. ↑ "Red Sox to induct three World Series champs into Hall of Fame". NBC Sports Boston. December 18, 2023. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  14. ↑ Finn, Chad. "Sports Q: Who is the most overrated athlete in Boston sports history?". www.boston.com. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  15. ↑ "Trot Nixon Talks Red Sox-Yankees Rivalry". iHeart. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  16. ↑ Willis, David (January 25, 2015). "The Dirt Dog". Eagle-Tribune. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  17. ↑ "Trot Nixon Will Throw Out First Pitch For Red Sox Ahead Of ALDS Game 1 - CBS Boston". www.cbsnews.com. October 3, 2018. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  18. ↑ Sweeney, Chris (March 3, 2016). "Four Historic Red Sox Artifacts You Can See at Fenway". Boston Magazine. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  19. ↑ Smith, Christopher (December 18, 2023). "Dustin Pedroia elected to Red Sox Hall of Fame with 'Dirt Dog,' WS closer". masslive. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  20. ↑ Dzen, Gary. "Manny Machado Pulls a Trot Nixon, Throws Bat". www.boston.com. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  21. ↑ Vanni, Olivia (October 15, 2008). "JoJo, Trot Nixon bring no luck". Boston Herald. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  22. 1 2 Finn, Chad. "Who was a better player for the Red Sox, J.D. Drew or Trot Nixon?". www.boston.com. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  23. ↑ Finn, Chad. "A tribute to Derek Lowe (and his shoes)". www.boston.com. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  24. ↑ Finn, Chad. "Sports Q: Who is the most overrated athlete in Boston sports history?". www.boston.com. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  25. ↑ Cannella, Stephen. "Hats Out of Hell". Sports Illustrated Vault | SI.com. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  26. ↑ "A State Divided: Connecticut Town Sits On 'Munson-Nixon' Line Separating Yankees, Red Sox Fandom - CBS New York". www.cbsnews.com. October 5, 2018. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  27. ↑ Putterman, Alex; Courant, Hartford (October 4, 2018). "Red Sox-Yankees ALDS Matchup Heightens Tension Along Connecticut's Disputed Dividing Line". Hartford Courant. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  28. ↑ Dickey, Jack (September 19, 2018). "Meet the town evenly divided between Yankees and Red Sox fans". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  29. ↑ Giratikanon, Tom; Katz, Josh; Leonhardt, David; Quealy, Kevin (April 24, 2014). "Up Close on Baseball's Borders". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  30. ↑ Joe Haggerty (March 12, 2010). "Red Sox notes: Buchholz pushed back to Saturday". Necn.com. Retrieved March 16, 2011.
  31. ↑ Paul Kenyon and Daniel Barbarisi (August 1, 2010). "Red Sox journal: Kalish has a debut he'll never forget". The Providence Journal. Retrieved March 16, 2011.
  32. ↑ Thomas, Kevin (October 5, 2018). "Red Sox Notebook: Price hopes to snap dubious playoff streak". Portland Press Herald . Retrieved October 6, 2018.
  33. ↑ "Trot Nixon to be inducted in NC Sports Hall of Fame". WWAYTV3. January 22, 2020. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  34. ↑ Reed, Russ (December 20, 2023). "Pedroia, Papelbon, Nixon named to Red Sox Hall of Fame". WCVB. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  35. ↑ Hohler, Bob (August 31, 2005). "Faith binds many on Sox". The Boston Globe . Retrieved April 16, 2022.
  36. ↑ Browne, Ian (September 7, 2002). "Nixon's life changed on 9/11; Tragedy caused him to miss birth of his son". MLB.com . MLB Advanced Media, LP.
Trot Nixon
Trot Nixon.JPG
Nixon with the Red Sox in 2005
Right fielder
Born: (1974-04-11) April 11, 1974 (age 50)
Durham, North Carolina, U.S.
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
MLB debut
September 21, 1996, for the Boston Red Sox
Last MLB appearance
June 28, 2008, for the New York Mets
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.