Bob Nieman

Robert Charles Nieman

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 11", Weight 195 lb.
• School Kent State University
• High School Withrow High School
• Debut September 14, 1951
• Final Game September 6, 1962
• Born January 26, 1927 in Cincinnati, OH USA
• Died March 10, 1985 in Corona, CA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Bob Nieman was a very good hitter during his 12-year career in the major leagues with an Adjusted OPS of 132. He made quite a splash in his major league debut with home runs in his first two at bats on September 14, 1951 while playing for the St. Louis Browns. He was the first player to accomplish this feat. Nieman only twice hit under .280 (once at .276 and once at .263). His career .295 average was very good, and was buttressed by a very high .373 OBP and .474 SLG. Nieman's batting prowess was balanced by mediocre fielding as an outfielder and poor baserunning (only 10 stolen bases in 40 career attempts).

He lost two months in a great 1958 season when he was injured on June 2nd. He ended up hitting .325 for the year.

Nieman managed the Charleston Indians in 1964, finishing 4th in the Eastern League with a record of 70-70. He scouted for the Cleveland Indians (1967-1969 and 1973-1975), Los Angeles Dodgers (1970-1972), Oakland A's (1976) and New York Yankees (1977-1984) where he discovered and/or scouted players such as Mark Ballinger, Jack Brohamer, Eddie Leon, John Lowenstein, Alan Ashby, Dave Oliver and Freddie Toliver.

Notable Achievements

• 20-Home Run Seasons: 1 (1959)

Related Sites

• Bob Nieman at the SABR Bio Project