BRISTOL, Va. – Marcus Nidiffer took his position at first base adorned in a gray road jersey with the No. 22 and his name stitched on the back.
As the Greeneville Astros newcomer prepared to lead his team against the Bristol White Sox in an Appalachian League game at DeVault Stadium, it was more than just another contest in a long season.
The former Tennessee High standout was clearly glad to be back in Bristol.
“It feels great,” Nidiffer said. “I’ve been away playing ball for five years and kind of been thrown all over the country, even during the summers. I’ve played everywhere. … It’s going to be a pretty good
memory for me. I’ll remember this little short time for the rest of my life.”
The 23-year-old recalled taking in Appy League games as a youngster at DeVault Stadium. This time, it was friends and family of the former Viking who were filing into the stadium to watch Nidiffer play in
a three-game series against the BriSox.
While Nidiffer failed to get a hit in the first two games of the homecoming series, he’s had a solid first season as a professional.
Entering Saturday, he was hitting .303 with two home runs and six RBIs. He’d also doubled five times and scored four runs in 10 games for the rookie-league affiliate of the Houston Astros.
“[The first two weeks] have been fun,” Nidiffer said. “It’s a big adjustment, especially the wood bat and the pitching’s a little different – a little more velocity and things are a little better.”
The biggest adjustment for Nidiffer has been adapting to a new position. He was solely a catcher during an outstanding career at the University of Kentucky, but has been converted to a first baseman.
“It’s been a little awkward,” Nidiffer said. “Actually, it’s been a little difficult, but I’ve been working at it every day. I can’t remember the last time I played infield. It’s not bad. My body definitely feels a lot
more fresh than it used to when I was catching every day.”
Nidiffer has shown a knack for catching on quickly.
He got just six at-bats and failed to get a hit during his first season at Kentucky. However, he eventually evolved into a regular in the Wildcats’ lineup and was one of the Southeastern Conference’s top
sluggers.
Despite big numbers at UK, he wasn’t selected in last month’s MLB Amateur Draft and hooked on with the Astros as a non-drafted free agent. Now, he’s looking to prove himself all over again in the
minor leagues.
“It’s kind of the same deal,” Nidiffer said. “That’s just how it goes. I’m just glad to have this opportunity to be able to play pro ball. I’m having fun with it and taking it as it is. I’ll work as hard as I can and
see what happens.”
thayes@bristolnews.com | Twitter: @Hayes_BHCSports | (276) 645-2570
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