In 1983, while with the Bakersfield Mariners Nixon stole 144 bases in just 135 games, one short of the minor league record of 145 by Vince Coleman set the same year.

He started the season's first game as Seattle's center fielder and leadoff hitter, coming to the plate four times with two walks and one stolen base.

[3] On May 1, with Nixon batting just .130, he was sent back to the minors, where he played for the Triple-A Calgary Cannons, the Mariners' top farm team.

He made his only postseason appearances in 1989 as well, playing in two games of the 1989 World Series against the Oakland Athletics, recording one hit in five at bats.

He spent most of the season with the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings, although he did appear in eight games for the Orioles in late June and early July.