Russ Nixon – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Russell Eugene Nixon built a solid 12-year run as a Major League Baseball catcher, suiting up for three teams before hanging up his glove in 1968. Born in Cleves, Ohio, Nixon became known as a reliable defensive specialist, and he later shifted into coaching and managing roles that stretched across several decades.

Nixon played his final MLB game on September 16, 1968, for the Boston Red Sox, finishing a career that started with the Cleveland Indians in 1957. As a left-handed hitting catcher, he appeared in 906 games and held a .268 batting average. Nixon earned a reputation as a steady presence behind the plate, moving from Cleveland to Boston, then Minnesota, and eventually back to Boston.

But Nixon’s story goes way beyond the numbers. His journey through pro baseball includes his climb through the minors, his odd record of never stealing a base in over 900 games, and his later life as a respected coach and manager. After his playing days, Nixon spent nearly four decades in different baseball roles—longer than he played.

Early Life and Education

Russell Eugene Nixon was born on February 19, 1935, in Cleves, Ohio, to farming parents Thomas and Edith Nixon. His baseball path really started at Western Hills High School in Cincinnati, where he became a standout player alongside his identical twin brother Roy.

Family Background and Origins

Russ and Roy Nixon grew up as identical twins in Cleves, Ohio, born to dairy farmers Thomas and Edith Nixon. The family lived in Crosby, Ohio, where farming was pretty much their way of life.

Their grandfather played a huge part in sparking their love for baseball. He actually built a baseball field on the family farm when the boys were little. Not only that, he taught both boys to hit left-handed, thinking it would give them an edge.

“He thought they would have an advantage there. It probably did, because they weren’t the fastest guys,” Russ’s wife Glenda once said about the grandfather’s decision.

Both brothers stood 6-foot-1 and weighed around 190-195 pounds. Russ threw right-handed but batted left, just like Roy. Roy went on to play first base for five seasons in the Cleveland Indians minor league system.

High School Baseball at Western Hills

Nixon attended Western Hills High School in Cincinnati, which, fun fact, also produced Pete Rose. The school earned a reputation for turning out baseball talent, eventually sending 11 players to the majors.

In 1951, Western Hills High won the Ohio state championship, with Nixon playing a key role. Both he and Roy graduated in 1953.

Nixon’s American Legion baseball years brought him national attention. In 1951, he hit .310 as part of the Cincinnati American Legion Junior team that reached the finals and finished third.

His biggest amateur moment came in September 1952. Nixon co-captained the Robert E. Bentley Post No. 50 team from Cincinnati, which won the national championship in Denver. He batted .500 in the title series and was unanimously picked as Player of the Year.

That performance led to a special honor at the 1952 World Series. Nixon got to throw out the first pitch at Ebbets Field before the Dodgers and Yankees faced off.

College Experience at University of Cincinnati

Nixon attended the University of Cincinnati, but didn’t stick around long because pro baseball came calling. In June 1953, both Nixon brothers signed with Indians scout Laddie Placek right out of high school.

The signing happened fast after graduation. During a Cleveland workout, Nixon caught for Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller, impressing the scouts.

Instead of continuing college, Nixon jumped straight into pro baseball. He and Roy started their careers in Corning with the PONY League.

For talented baseball players in the 1950s, skipping college for a shot at the majors was pretty common. The chance to sign with a big league team and start making money was just too good to pass up.

Major League Baseball Playing Career

Nixon played in the majors for 12 seasons from 1957 to 1968, catching for the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, and Minnesota Twins. He played 906 games, hit .268, and belted 27 home runs. His best season came in 1958, when he hit .301 while catching 101 games for Cleveland.

MLB Debut and Early Years with Cleveland Indians

Nixon debuted in the majors on April 20, 1957, for the Cleveland Indians at age 22. Both he and Roy signed with the Indians in 1953, but only Russ made it to the big leagues.

In his first three seasons with Cleveland, Nixon proved himself as a reliable catcher. During his debut year in 1957, he passed rookie limits and officially lost his rookie status.

The 1958 season was Nixon’s breakout. He caught 101 games and hit .301, his best single-season average. That performance made him the team’s primary catcher.

Nixon stayed Cleveland’s top backstop through 1959. He batted left, threw right, and stood 6’1″, weighing 190 pounds during his playing days.

Boston Red Sox Tenure and Trades

Nixon’s 1960 season got weird—he got traded to the Boston Red Sox twice. Cleveland first sent him to Boston on March 16 for catcher Sammy White and first baseman Jim Marshall.

That trade got cancelled when White decided to retire. Nixon had already played five exhibition games for the Red Sox before heading back to Cleveland for the regular season.

On June 13, 1960, Nixon got traded to Boston again. This time, Nixon and outfielder Carroll Hardy went to the Red Sox for pitcher Ted Bowsfield and outfielder Marty Keough.

He stayed with the Red Sox through 1965, usually as a platoon catcher. Nixon spent part of 1965 in Triple-A Toronto, working his way back to the majors.

Seasons with Minnesota Twins

At the end of spring training in 1966, Boston traded Nixon and second baseman Chuck Schilling to the Minnesota Twins for lefty pitcher Dick Stigman. That trade started a new chapter for Nixon.

He spent two years as the Twins’ second-string catcher from 1966 to 1967. Nixon offered veteran leadership and reliability behind the plate.

The Twins released Nixon in April 1968, ending his time with them. As a backup catcher, he didn’t play a ton, but he was a valuable clubhouse presence.

Return to Red Sox and Retirement in 1968

After Minnesota let him go, Nixon returned to the Red Sox organization in 1968. He started the year at Double-A Pittsfield, then got called up to the majors in July.

His first at-bat after the recall was a big one. Nixon smashed a three-run pinch-hit double that gave Boston a 6-5 win over the Twins on July 17, 1968.

Despite that moment, Nixon struggled in his last Boston stint, batting just .153. After the season, the Red Sox sent him down to their Triple-A Louisville team.

The Chicago White Sox picked Nixon in the Rule 5 draft that December, but released him a week before the 1969 season started. That move ended his MLB playing days.

Nixon’s last MLB game came on September 16, 1968, against Baltimore. He wrapped up his career with 670 hits, including 115 doubles, 19 triples, and 27 home runs. Oddly enough, he never stole a base in 906 games.

Player Statistics and Notable Achievements

Russ Nixon put together a respectable 12-year MLB career as a catcher, hitting .268 with 670 hits and 27 home runs in 906 games. His top offensive season was 1958, when he batted .301 with 9 home runs for the Cleveland Indians, earning his spot as a dependable backstop.

Career Batting and Fielding Records

Nixon’s numbers show the profile of a steady defensive catcher who chipped in at the plate. Over 12 seasons in Major League Baseball, he racked up 2,504 at-bats, scored 215 runs, and drove in 266 RBIs.

His best offensive year was 1958 with the Indians. That season, Nixon hit .301 with 113 hits, 9 home runs, and 46 RBIs in 113 games. This was the high point of his hitting as a baseball player.

His batting average dropped off in his later years. In his final season in 1968, Nixon hit .153 in 29 games with the Boston Red Sox. Still, his defensive skills as a catcher kept him valuable.

The MLB veteran showed consistent fielding behind the plate. Nixon’s career fielding stats helped him build a reputation as a reliable backstop for several teams.

Major Milestones and Unique Records

Nixon hit some notable milestones during his career. He broke into the majors at 22 on April 20, 1957, with the Cleveland Indians.

He played for the Indians, Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins, and Chicago White Sox. This movement between teams showed his value as an experienced catcher.

Nixon’s time in pro baseball didn’t stop when he retired as a player in 1968. He went on to spend 37 years coaching and managing in the game.

With 670 hits and 27 home runs, Nixon put up solid numbers for a catcher in the 1950s and 1960s. These stats show steady output rather than huge single-season achievements.

Awards and Honors

Nixon never took home major individual awards or made any All-Star teams. Teams appreciated him more for his defense and leadership than for big offensive numbers.

The baseball player earned respect for sticking with the game for so long. His long coaching and managing career showed he really knew his stuff.

Nixon got his biggest recognition from peers and organizations who valued his baseball mind. Spending 37 years in pro baseball after playing says a lot about how much people trusted him.

His achievements reflect the contributions of a solid pro catcher who helped multiple teams in Major League Baseball.

Coaching and Managerial Career

After retiring in 1968, Nixon jumped right into coaching and managing, eventually spending over four decades in those roles. He started in the minors and later managed MLB teams like the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves.

Transition from Player to Manager

Nixon moved from playing to coaching and managing in 1969. He started off in the minors, working his way up through different organizations over the years.

He got his first coaching experience with several teams at various levels. Nixon spent time developing young talent in rookie leagues and Class A ball.

His 12 years as a big league catcher gave him a unique perspective. Nixon really understood the game as a player, which helped him connect with the guys he coached.

His patient style and baseball smarts made him a good fit for working with young players. Nixon’s catching background gave him valuable insight into strategy and pitcher development.

Cincinnati Reds Organization

Nixon joined the Cincinnati Reds organization as a coach. He spent several seasons in their system, helping mold players in the minors.

He worked with the Reds’ farm teams, focusing on player development and getting prospects ready for the majors.

The Reds appreciated Nixon’s experience and baseball know-how. He built a reputation as a skilled teacher who worked well with catchers and other position players.

Nixon’s time with Cincinnati played a big part in his coaching journey. The organization gave him the chance to grow as a coach and get ready for managing jobs.

Managing Atlanta Braves and Other MLB Teams

Nixon started managing in the big leagues with the Atlanta Braves. For several seasons, he led the team while working closely with the front office.

He finished with a 231-347 record as Braves manager, which really shows just how tough things got for him. The Braves spent most of his time there rebuilding and trying to find their footing.

He didn’t stick to just one team, either. Nixon took on coaching and managing roles with several MLB organizations over the years.

After his time managing in the majors, Nixon jumped back into coaching in the minors and kept at it until 2007. He put in nearly 50 years working in baseball, including stints with the Houston Astros system.

Even though his record as a manager wasn’t great, folks respected him as a coach. Players and colleagues always seemed to value his teaching and deep baseball knowledge.

Influence and Legacy in Baseball

Russ Nixon spent 55 years in pro baseball, and he left a mark you can’t really ignore. He worked as a player, coach, and manager, shaping the sport at almost every level.

He taught everything from catching fundamentals to helping young talent come up through both minor and major league systems.

Impact on Teams and Players

During his playing days, Nixon became a steady presence behind the plate for three Major League teams. Over 12 seasons with the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, and Minnesota Twins, he caught regularly and mentored younger teammates.

Pitching staffs especially appreciated his defensive skills. Nixon threw out 29% of runners trying to steal and kept a .988 fielding percentage. Those numbers, honestly, speak to his technical know-how and game management instincts.

As a manager, Nixon worked with players at every level of pro ball. He spent five seasons managing in the majors with the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves, shaping player development where it mattered most.

He passed on his approach to catching fundamentals to a whole generation of players. Nixon worked side by side with catchers in both the minors and majors, always sharing techniques he’d learned from mentors like Jim Hegan.

Reputation as a Catcher and Manager

People respected Nixon as a defensive catcher, even when critics questioned his play. He knew how to handle pitching staffs and call games, making himself valuable to any manager.

His offense wasn’t too shabby either. Nixon wrapped up his career with a .268 average and showed real plate discipline. That left-handed swing of his added some balance, especially when facing right-handed pitchers.

As a manager, Nixon built a reputation for seeing the whole game. Playing for multiple teams gave him a unique perspective on different organizations and how they developed players.

Other players and coaches often commented on Nixon’s baseball IQ and communication skills. He had a knack for working with pitchers and really understood the mental side of that relationship.

Contributions to Minor and Major League Systems

Nixon’s biggest impact probably came from his years shaping players in development systems. He managed just about every level, from rookie ball to the majors.

His time in the minors helped countless players move up the ladder. Nixon knew what it took for guys to keep progressing.

In the big leagues, managing the Reds and Braves let him put his development strategies into action at the top level. Players trusted him, whether they were seasoned vets or just starting out.

He spent five decades building relationships in the game. Many players, coaches, and execs who worked with him still use his ideas about player development and game management.

Personal Life and Net Worth

Russell Eugene Nixon built a legacy that went way beyond just playing ball. He kept strong family ties and stayed involved in the game for decades. He married his high school sweetheart and raised four kids, all while working different jobs in professional baseball until 2009.

Life After Retirement

When Nixon retired from playing in 1968, he actually started an even longer run in baseball. He jumped into coaching and managing, beginning with the Cincinnati Reds’ farm system in 1970.

He spent another 44 years in all sorts of roles. Nixon served as third base coach for the legendary “Big Red Machine” during the 1976 World Series. Later, he managed the Cincinnati Reds from 1982 to 1983 and the Atlanta Braves from 1988 to 1990.

After that, Nixon spent his last years in baseball helping young players develop with the San Diego Padres, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers organizations. He managed to stay active in Major League Baseball for an incredible 56 straight years.

He called it a career in 2009 at age 74. Nixon lived out his final years in Las Vegas, where he passed away on November 9, 2016.

Family and Personal Interests

Nixon married Glenda Carder on July 1, 1954, when he was just 19. Their marriage lasted 62 years, which is pretty remarkable given how demanding a baseball career can be.

They raised four kids together: Rebel Dahlberg, Misty Steinhauer, Samantha Linares, and Chris Nixon. Nixon also had seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was born in Cleves, Ohio, and had a twin brother named Roy. Nixon’s grandfather loved baseball, and that’s what first inspired him. After graduating from Western Hills High School in Cincinnati, he signed with the Cleveland Indians in 1953.

No matter how much he traveled, family stayed at the center of Nixon’s life. His kids often showed up at games, supporting him through his long run in baseball management and coaching.

Net Worth and Financial Summary

People don’t really know Nixon’s exact net worth, which isn’t surprising since players from his era usually kept that private. He played for 12 years, from 1957 to 1968, way before free agency sent salaries skyrocketing.

Most of Nixon’s income probably came after he stopped playing. He spent 44 years working as a coach, manager, and scout, staying active in baseball well into his 70s.

Salaries in the 1960s? Pretty modest compared to what players earn now. Still, Nixon stuck with the sport for decades, and that likely gave his big family some financial security.

He took on coaching roles with several major league teams, even making it to the World Series. Those jobs paid well, and Nixon’s solid reputation in baseball helped him land steady work year after year.