Otis Nixon, known for his speed and defensive prowess, played Major League Baseball primarily as a center fielder. Born on January 9, 1959, in Evergreen, North Carolina, Nixon's journey to the major leagues began when he was drafted by the New York Yankees in the first round of the 1979 amateur draft. However, it was with the Atlanta Braves that he became most associated during his career.
Nixon's major league debut came with the Yankees in 1983, but he saw limited action. His career began to gain traction after he was traded to the Cleveland Indians in 1984. Over the next few years, he played for several teams, including the Montreal Expos, where he began to establish himself as a reliable leadoff hitter and base-stealing threat. His speed on the base paths was his most defining attribute, and he consistently ranked among the league leaders in stolen bases.
In 1991, Nixon joined the Atlanta Braves, a team with which he would enjoy some of his most memorable seasons. That year, he stole a career-high 72 bases, helping the Braves to a National League pennant. His ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities was a vital component of the Braves' offense. One of the most iconic moments of his career occurred on July 25, 1992, when he made a spectacular catch to rob Andy Van Slyke of a home run, preserving a win for the Braves and further cementing his reputation as an outstanding defensive player.
Nixon's time with the Braves was not without its challenges. In September 1991, he was suspended for 60 days after testing positive for cocaine, causing him to miss the postseason. Despite this setback, he returned to the team and continued to be an integral part of their lineup in the following seasons.
After leaving the Braves, Nixon continued to play for several other teams, including the Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Minnesota Twins. His role often involved being a veteran presence and a strategic base-stealing option. Throughout his career, Nixon was known for his ability to disrupt pitchers' rhythms and create scoring chances with his speed.
Nixon retired with 620 stolen bases, ranking him among the top base stealers in MLB history. His career batting average was .270, and he accumulated over 1,300 hits. While he never hit for power, with only 11 career home runs, his value lay in his speed, defense, and ability to get on base.
Off the field, Nixon faced personal challenges, including battles with substance abuse.
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