Nix grew up in the suburbs of Dallas and was home schooled by his mother. A fan of the Texas Rangers, Nix commented that during his childhood: "We'd do some studies in the morning, my brother and I, and then we'd watch the Cubs every day at 1:00. My brother and I would go out in the backyard and imitate what we saw, which was Ryne Sandberg, Andre Dawson, and that crew ... we had a good time." Eventually, he went to public school and attended Midland High, where he played football and was the team's starting quarterback, but baseball was his "first love", and the Rangers drafted him in the fourth round after his senior year in high school.[1]
Through 2005, Nix hit 28 home runs with 108 RBI. His 2005 season was cut short when he elected to have surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
Hampered by an injury, Nix spent most of 2007 with Milwaukee's Triple-A Nashville Sounds. He was a September call-up, but went hitless in ten games with the Brewers. In December, Nix cleared waivers and was reassigned to Nashville, where he spent the entire 2008 season.
Cincinnati Reds
In December 2008, Nix signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds.[2] On November 9, 2010, the Reds released him.
Washington Nationals
On February 3, 2011, Nix signed a minor league deal with the Washington Nationals. He also received a spring training invite along with his contract. Despite hitting a career high 16 home runs, he became a free agent following the season.[3]
Philadelphia Phillies
On December 4, 2011, Nix was signed to a two-year contract by the Philadelphia Phillies citing his "mental toughness" and "football mentality". He had an injury-laced 2012 campaign during which he totaled a batting average of .246 with three home runs and 16 RBIs.[4] In the 2012 offseason Nix and Michael Young, close friends from their time together in Texas, reunited when Young signed with the Phillies.[1] Nix was designated for assignment on August 6, 2013. He was released on August 12, 2013. He hit .211/.270/.331 as a Phillie.
