For Whom Abel Tolls: Nuts Bring Back Nieves
February 6, 2015 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS (February 6, 2015) - The Wichita Wingnuts have been in existence for seven seasons. The club has earned a playoff berth five times, including four straight seasons, and advanced to the championship series three years in a row. In 2014, the team smashed its own American Association record for wins by posting 73 in 100 opportunities. Through all of that team success, there has been an equally impressive individual achievement that has been taken hostage by members of the Wingnuts' roster in recent campaigns. For the past three seasons, and five times in seven years, the American Association's batting champion has resided in the clubhouse at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Abel Nieves, who brought home the honor in 2013, has re-signed with the Nuts for the 2015 season.
The versatile veteran began 2014 suiting up for the Wingnuts' South Division rival in Grand Prairie following an offseason trade. Although the AirHogs struggled to keep pace with the league's front-runners, Nieves managed to put up impressive individual numbers. In 82 games he batted .327 with two home runs and 35 RBI while walking 35 times and striking out just 37. That resume earned him a trip to the American Association's All-Star showcase in Winnipeg as the South squad's starting third baseman.
When Nieves' former teammate Jake Kahaulelio suffered a season-ending injury in mid-August, the Wingnuts were able to swing a deal that brought the infielder back to town. Wearing the Wingnuts' colors once again seemed to rejuvenate Nieves as he went on an absolute tear to close out the regular season. He managed to hit safely in all 12 regular season games played with Wichita and six of the seven playoff games. The only night in which he was hitless, the championship clinching contest, he drew three walks and scored three runs. In addition, Nieves managed to score at least one run in eight of 12 regular season games and drive in at least one run in the same number.
The 29-year old enjoyed the best season of his nine-year career at the plate in 2013. Nieves won the American Association's batting title with a .357 average. He added 23 doubles, five home runs, and 51 RBI. The Maracay, Venezuela native walked more times (56) than he struck out (46) and reached base in 89 of 99 games played. Nieves also ranked second among American Association third basemen with a .955 fielding percentage.
Nieves is a career .296 hitter with 371 runs scored, 125 doubles, 27 home runs, 311 RBI, and 379 walks in 737 games played. A right-handed hitter and fielder, Nieves was drafted by the Anaheim Angels in the 50th round out of Middle Georgia College in 2004. Nieves spent six seasons in the Angels' system, reaching Triple-A Salt Lake three times and Double-A Arkansas twice. The 6-foot, 205-pound Nieves' best season with the Angels came in 2008 when he batted .318 with 24 doubles and 54 RBI in 101 games for the High-A California League's Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.
Nieves is the 14th player to join the Wingnuts for 2015. The roster can include up to 28 players until two days prior to the start of the regular season when the active roster must be trimmed to 22. The eighth season of Wichita Wingnuts baseball begins on Thursday, May 21st in Joplin, with the home opener against the Winnipeg Goldeyes taking place on Tuesday, May 26th. For information on season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Wingnuts' main office at (316) 264-NUTS, or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com .
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American Association Stories from February 6, 2015
- X's Add Two More To Roster - Sioux City Explorers
- For Whom Abel Tolls: Nuts Bring Back Nieves - Wichita Wingnuts
- Abercrombie Dealt to Sussex County - Winnipeg Goldeyes
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