St. Louis Native Niznik Settling In Nicely With Hoots

The opening day roster is rarely the roster a team ends the season with. Every summer, additions are made in an attempt to improve the team. For the Hoots, left-hander Noah Niznik was brought in mid-July and has found success as a starter. 

When the SEMO product learned of an opening, he was excited to get to work.

“I’m from St. Louis, so it’s pretty close to home,” said Niznik. “From the get-go, everybody was super welcoming and the guys were great and really friendly.”

CarShield Field is a familiar venue for the lefty, as he won the state championship on that field in 2018 with St. John Vianny High School. He has enjoyed being back home, pitching at a place that has positive memories for him. 

“I’ve been around that field quite a bit during my career,” said Niznik. “I like it, I’m comfortable out there and I like the setting.”

After playing in the New England Collegiate Baseball League, Niznik is happy to be closer to home. Playing in front of friends and family has been enjoyable for the lefty.

“I love seeing people I know come out and watch,” said Niznik. “Again, with the stadium just having those fans having great support.”

In three starts this season, Niznik is 1-0 with a 3.55 ERA in 12.2 innings. He struck out seven in his most recent outing on July 22 against the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes. The lefty picked up his win in a five-inning outing against the Alton River Dragons on July 15, striking out two. His next start comes Friday, July 29 at the Alton River Dragons.