Bucs baseball player Casey Nelson racked up numerous major awards on the field, earning honors for his bat, his glove, and his arm.
"Casey is one of the most versatile athletes in the history of the Beloit College baseball program," said coach Dave DeGeorge. "He excelled as a hitter, pitcher, and
defender. His best position on defense was first base, where his play was outstanding. He applied tags like he was hammering a nail. For the good of the team, for one season, Nelson played second base. At 6'3", he may be the tallest second baseman in league history. Even away from his best position, Nelson earned all-conference recognition," adds DeGeorge.
Teammates and coaches remember Nelson as a gifted athlete and a true friend off the diamond. "On the field, Casey was a fierce competitor; off the field, he has always been kind, gentle, and sincere," DeGeorge said.
The California native followed friend Roy Stockton to Beloit. Nelson was a late summer addition to the baseball roster. Lucky for the team, his impact was huge. At the time of his graduation in 2003, Nelson held career marks ranking in the top five all time for batting average (.354), doubles (30), total bases (172), putouts (481), triples (4), home runs (9), runs batted in (67), hit by pitch (18), hits (107), and fielding percentage (.973). In addition, he achieved multiple game and season records, including smashing five hits in a single game and registering 14 strikeouts, while on the mound (both records still stand).
The league coaches held Nelson in high regard, as he was selected First Team All-MWC in 2001, 2002, and 2003. Nelson's teammates voted him Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2003, Hitter of the Year in 2001 and 2003, and Pitcher of the Year in 2003. Those honors, including a 2003 Team MVP award, acknowledge his unusual versatility and outstanding play.
