In January 99, the headlines concerned the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton. One of his worst crimes had been lying about an affair with a girl named Monica, but that didn't stop his enemies.
It's a bit ironic that a Gordon Edes story was headlined "Nixon Hopes He's the One". With the sudden loss of Mo Vaughn's bat, a rookie outfielder named Christopher Trotman Nixon was raising some eyebrows. The 24-year-old from North Carolina had been drafted in 93, but had disappointed at bat until 97, when he batted .310 at Pawtucket with 23 homers.
At the annual Baseball Writers Dinner, Nixon showed immediately that he did not lack for confidence. "I want to hit .280,.300, hit 20 plus home runs, have 20 stolen bases," he told the press. "My first goal is to be part of winning games here. I'll do anything to win games, get drilled by a ball, drag a bunt, beat out a single, hit a home run. I'll do it." Referring to the team, he continued: "Mo's gone. I'm not trying to fill Mo's shoes, but I want to be part of a winning tradition. If I play every day, I have a shot at my goals."
Nixon did not achieve these goals right away, but he did give Boston fans 8 years of tough, hard-nosed baseball. Between 00 and 03 he averaged 82 runs scored, 30 doubles, 5 triples, 23 homers and 82 rbi's while playing Fenway's tough right field. Twice he surpassed .500 in slugging percentage, peaking at .578 in 03. That same year, his pinch homer in game 3 of the ALDS produced a 3-1 win as Boston overcame an 0-2 deficit to beat out Oakland. In the 04 World Series, he hit .357 and contributed a clutch homer in game 3.
Trot was a constant fan favorite for his scrappy play and dedication to his teammates. In August 05, while officially on the DL, he remained in uniform and was even ejected from a game for arguing that a Gabe Kapler hit should have been a homer.
After suffering a herniated disc and missing several months in 04, Nixon saw his power totals fall off sharply. On October 1, 2006, manager Terry Francona, knowing it was probably Trot's last game in Boston, replaced him in right, to a large ovation from the fans. In response, Nixon stated: I really did care about this organization….I think this town has been unbelievable for me and my family…absolutely unbelieveable." His parting words were well appreciated.
Trot was not re-signed, as the team pursued free-agent outfielder JD Drew. He would drift to the Indians and Mets but never again be a regular. He retired in 07, and lives with his wife and two sons in Wilmington, NC.
Though his lifetieme stats are not overly impressive, Nixon typified the "Dirt Dog" attitude that finally won a World Series title for the Sox. I would certainly rate him a strong candidate for the Sox Hall of Fame.
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