Reds: Former manager Nixon passes away at 81
Russ Nixon, a Cleves native who attended Western Hills High School and the University of Cincinnati before becoming a manager and coach for the Cincinnati Reds, passed away at age 81, according to the team.
Nixon managed the Reds in 1982 and 1983, and later managed the Atlanta Braves from 1988 to 1990.
Nixon and his twin brother, Roy, an infielder, each signed with the Cleveland Indians in 1953. Roy never played in the majors, but Russ played 12 big-league seasons for the Indians (1957-60), the Red Sox (1960-65), the Twins (1966-67) and again with Boston (1968), hitting .268 in 906 games.
His managing career began in the Reds' farm system in 1970. In 1976, he was on Sparky Anderson's staff with the Big Red Machine. He also coached with the Reds under John McNamara in 1979.
Nixon replaced McNamara during the 1982 season - the only 100-loss season in team history. The Reds were 27-43 after Nixon took over that season.
He was fired after the Reds finished 74-88 in 1983.