Laynce Nix

Laynce Michael Nix (born October 30, 1980) is an American former professional baseball outfielder. Nix played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers, Cincinnati Reds, Washington Nationals, and Philadelphia Phillies. Nix played all three outfield positions, as well as first base, but was officially listed as a left fielder by ESPN. His younger brother, Jayson Nix, also played in MLB.

Early life 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. 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.

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. In the 2012 offseason Nix and Michael Young, close friends from their time together in Texas, reunited when Young signed with the Phillies. Nix was designated for assignment on August 6, 2013. He was released on August 12, 2013. He hit .211/.270/.331 as a Phillie.