And be prepared in case you get the chance. Nichting's outlook was shaped by playing for six organizations and undergoing five operations since 1988. He has appeared in 20 major league games. The injuries that sidelined him in 1990-91 and most of the '93 and '96 seasons compromised his skills. But he has remained good enough to bounce between Triple-A and the majors since 1995.
Few players maintain such perseverance for so long.
I think most guys think I'm in my upper 20s. That's good for me. It's not that I can fool everybody. I still have to put my date of birth on my resume. Reds manager Bob Boone won't rule out Nichting, despite his age.