Jayson Nix
A versatile journeyman infielder whose decade-long MLB career was defined by defensive adaptability and a reliable glove for eight different teams.
Born 1982 (age 44)·American baseball player·Birthday: August 26·Millennials
Biography
Jayson Nix's baseball story is one of resilience and utility. Drafted by the Colorado Rockies, he made his major league debut in 2008, but his true calling card became his ability to play anywhere asked. Over ten seasons, he became a quintessential bench asset, logging time at second base, third base, shortstop, and even the outfield for a remarkable eight different franchises. While never an everyday star, Nix provided managers with a trusted defensive replacement and a capable right-handed bat. His path included a stint with the storied New York Yankees during a 2013 playoff push, embodying the valuable, if often unsung, role player who helps teams navigate the grueling 162-game season.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jayson was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jayson Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Jayson's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played in 558 Major League games across ten seasons with eight different organizations.
- Hit a walk-off home run for the New York Yankees against the Baltimore Orioles on July 5, 2013.
- Appeared in the 2013 American League Championship Series with the New York Yankees.
- Was a first-round supplemental draft pick (44th overall) by the Colorado Rockies in the 2001 MLB Draft.
Did You Know?
His brother, Laynce Nix, also played in the Major Leagues.
He played for Team USA in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
He was originally drafted as a shortstop but became a professional utility player.
He played for both Chicago MLB teams, the White Sox and the Cubs (in minor leagues).
“I kept my glove ready for any spot on the field.”
