Alexander Nizov

Alexander Nizov

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 162 lb.

• Born July 12, 1974 in Nizhny Novgorod USSR

Biographical Information

Alexander Nizov played two years in the California Angels system and was a member of the Russian national team for over a decade.

He debuted for Russia in the 1993 European Championship as a teenager, going 1 for 5 with a double (off Michael Wäller), backing up Alexander Vidjaev at second base. In the 1995 European Championship, Nizov hit .227/.227/.364 and stole four bases in five tries, tying for 10th in steals. In the 1996 European Cupwinners Cup, he hit .455 with 6 runs and 4 steals to lead the runner-up CSCA team. He won the MVP award for the event.

Nizov signed with the California Angels. In 1997, he hit .276/~.337/.391 for the Butte Copper Kings, a solid showing for a middle infielder. Given his speed in European events, he disappointed on that front by only succeeding in 1 of 3 attempts to steal. In 1998, the Russian slumped to a .207/~.255/.293 batting line in 33 games. He stole five bases in five attempts for one bright spot.

Nizov won the Triple Crown in the 1999 Russian League, hitting .563/.630/.908 with 4 home runs and 48 RBI in 25 games for VVIA. He also led the league with 53 runs and 39 steals - over a steal and a half per game.

In the 1999 European Championship, Nizov hit .235/.300/.235 as Russia's second baseman and stole five bases in five tries. He tied for the lead in most steals in the event. In the 2001 European Championship, Nizov batted .323/.487/.581, stole four bases in four tries, scored 7 runs in 8 games and fielded perfectly in 50 chances. He made the tournament All-Star team at second base and was honored as the Outstanding Defensive Player. He was 1 for 2 with two walks in the Gold Medal game, getting half of Russia's times on base against Rob Cordemans and Patrick De Lange in a loss. It was Russia's first Medal in European Championship history and Nizov had played a large role in it.

In the 2001 Baseball World Cup, he batted .346/.393/.615 with 3 triples as Russia's second sacker. No other Russian player even slugged .300 in the event. He played a role in 5 of their 13 runs. In the 2003 European Championship, the infielder hit .290/~.371/.355. In the 2003 Baseball World Cup, Nizov produced at a .063/.110/.063 batting line only.

The 33-year-old was Russia's leadoff man and second baseman for the 2007 European Championship. He hit .348/.444/.565 with 6 runs in 6 games; he was 1-for-3 in steal attempts. He made no errors in 33 chances.

Nizov coached for Russia in the 2009 World Youth Championship.

Sources

• Harry Wedemeijer's international tournament stats
• Russian national team
• 1998-1999 Baseball Almanacs
• Defunct IBAF site
• Sergei Borisov's Russian League site (defunct)