Although sometimes used in relief early in his career, Nixon was a regular member
of the Red Sox rotation from 1954 through 1957. He won 12 games in both 1955 and
1957, enjoying particular success against the top American League clubs - especially
the Yankees. He beat New York four times in '55, allowing only five runs in the four
games. A competent lefthanded hitter, he batted .242 lifetime, and led all AL pitchers
with a .293 average in '57. (EW)
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FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»May 30, 1954: At Boston, Mickey Mantle belts his 2nd homer in two days to tie the game at 1–1 in the 6th. But that's all the scoring off Willard Nixon as the Red Sox win, 3–1.
»June 30, 1954:
Tom Morgan of the Yankees hits three Red Sox in the third inning of a 6-1 loss. Mickey Mantle's HR against Willard Nixon is the only Yankee tally.
»May 18, 1955: Cleveland scores 11 runs in the 5th to whip the Red Sox 19–0, and give Herb Score an easy win over Willard Nixon. Vic Wertz's grand slam is the big blow in the inning. It is the worst shutout pasting ever by Boston and the most runs ever in a shutout for the Tribe.
»May 29, 1956:
At Yankee Stadium, Mickey Mantle's walk in the 7th is the first base runner against Willard Nixon, and Mantle's 2-out 9th inning homer deprives the Boston righty of a shutout. Boston wins 7–3 at the Stadium.
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