These days, I call Atlanta, Georgia home. It’s where I live, work, and continue the mission I believe I was always meant for. I’m the CEO of On-Track Promotions, LLC, and back in 2009, I released my book Keeping it Real, a true reflection of my journey, the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
I spend a lot of time working with youth groups, schools, and baseball teams across the Southeast, sharing my testimony and doing what I can to guide others, especially the younger generation, toward purpose and away from pitfalls. It’s part of my ministry, and it means everything to me.
My baseball story started long before the big leagues. In the minors, I was known for my speed. I led the league in stolen bases more than once. 67 in the South Atlantic League in 1980, and 94 in the International League in 1983. I wasn’t just running, I was scoring too: 124 runs in 1980, and 129 in 1983. That year in the International League, I also led in hits (162), at bats (557), and walks (113 in 1980 and 110 in 1981).
Originally, I played infield. But in 1983, the coaches moved me to the outfield. I had speed, but I also had a habit of racking up errors, 56 in 127 games at shortstop for the Nashville Sounds. That move changed the course of my career.
In the big leagues, I made some history. On June 16, 1991, I tied the Major League record for most stolen bases in a single game with six. That same season, I set the Atlanta Braves record for stolen bases with 72. A few years earlier, in 1982, I stole 107 bases in one season between AA Nashville and AAA Columbus.
Over 17 seasons in the majors, I suited up for a lot of teams: the Yankees, Indians, Expos, Braves, Red Sox, Rangers, Blue Jays, Dodgers, and Twins. Every team, every city, had its own story.
One of the most unforgettable moments of my career came on July 25, 1992. Andy Van Slyke hit a shot deep to center field. I chased it down and made a leaping catch over the wall. They called it “The Catch,” and it played on repeat on every sports show that week. That same year, I laid down the final bunt of the 1992 World Series—still the only Series to ever end on a bunt.
By the time I retired, I had played 1,709 games, hit .270, stolen 620 bases, racked up 1,379 hits, and scored 878 runs. I never hit for much power, just 11 home runs, but I brought speed and hustle to every inning.
Baseball runs in the family. My younger brother, Donell Nixon, also made it to the Majors, playing from 1987 to 1990 with the Mariners, Giants, and Orioles.
It’s been quite a ride, and through it all, I’ve learned that staying grounded in faith and purpose is what really keeps you on track.
