Butch Nieman
From BR Bullpen
Elmer Le Roy Nieman
- Bats Left, Throws Left
- Height 6' 2", Weight 195 lb.
- School Kansas State University
- Debut May 2, 1943
- Final Game September 30, 1945
- Born February 8, 1918 in Herkimer, KS USA
- Died November 2, 1993 in Topeka, KS USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Nieman dominated the class C Western Association from 1947 to 1950. In '47, the Topeka player-manager led the league in homers (29), RBI (114) and walks (144). A year later he again took all three titles - 34 homers, 146 men batted in and 143 bases on balls. On '49, he coaxed 132 walks, slugged 26 long balls and drove in 110, again showing the top mark in each category. In 1950 he completed the trifecta for a fourth year in a row with 149 RBI, 145 walks and 28 four-baggers. The 4th year saw a strong challenge from Joplin shortstop Mickey Mantle, who drove in 136 and hit 26 homers. In 1951 he won his 5th straight HR title in the league with 28, but his 94 RBI fell 9 short of the league lead.
Nieman's scratch infield hit in the first inning off of St. Louis 3B Whitey Kurowski's chest was the only one allowed by Max Lanier in a complete game one-hitter on August 22, 1944 at Sportsman Park in the second game of a twilight night doubleheader.
