Rocky Nelson

 

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Pittsburgh Pirate Rocky Nelson: One of Baseball’s Unique Personalities!

As we’ve mentioned many times before, we always enjoy it when we’re contacted by relatives of former ball players. We feel that anyone who makes it to the majors is special and we’re always glad to turn the spotlight on them.

Recently, we were contacted by Mike Woten, the nephew of former major leaguer, Rocky Nelson. Mike fondly recalls Rocky Nelson as, “a wonderful man with a wonderful story.” Mike was kind enough to share some interesting personal observations about his uncle. But first a few words about Rocky Nelson’s career, who some of our older readers will remember from the 1950s and the 1960 World Series:

Glen Richard “Rocky” Nelson spent all or parts of nine seasons in the major leagues (1949-1961), playing for the Cardinals, Pirates, White Sox, Dodges, Indians, and Pirates. Over his career, the Portsmouth, Ohio native hit .249, with 186 runs, 61 doubles, 14 triples, 31 home runs, and 173 RBIs. He helped the Dodgers win National League pennants in 1952 and 1956, the Indians win the 1954 American League pennant, and the Pirates win the 1960 pennant and World Series.

In 1959 he caught on with the Pirates as a platoon first baseman behind “Dr. Strange Glove,” Dick Stuart. In his two years with the Pirates he hit .291 and .300. Rocky was playing first base on May 26, 1959 when Harvey Haddix lost his bid for a perfect game in the 13^th inning. Rocky is also remembered for hitting a two-run home run off Bob Turley in the first inning of the seventh game of the 1960 World Series. While not as dramatic as Bill Mazeroski’s historic walk-off home run, it’s undoubtedly Rocky’s most memorable career highlight.

While his success in the majors was somewhat limited, not so his years in the minors, as he is regarded as one of the best sluggers to ever play in the International League. He won Triple Crowns with the Triple-A Montreal Royals (1955), and the Triple-A Toronto Maple Leafs (1958); and was the International League MVP winner in 1953, 1955, and 1958. He has been inducted into the International League Hall of Fame, the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, and the Cuban Baseball Hall of Fame.

Mike has fond memories of his “bald-headed, cigar-smoking, tobacco-chewing uncle” who married Mike’s aunt at home plate in Lynchburg, Virginia before a minor league game. Mike described him as, “One of the most unique people that I have ever known,” adding that, “Rocky had one thing that stayed with him: a strong opinion that he didn’t mind sharing…he was an expert on everything. Just ask him and then take a seat and listen!”

Mike relates that pre-1959 Cuba, where Rocky often played winter ball, was a very special place for Rocky, as he was wildly popular with Cuban fans. Mike has a photo of Rocky with Fidel Castro dressed in full military gear; and another of Rocky with Tommy Lasorda in the back of a Cuban military truck with Tommy holding an army rifle. While in Cuba, Rocky loved playing cards and going to the race track. He often told Mike about the Cuban military officers who whispered to him who was going to win each race. Rocky said it was easiest money he ever made!

As Rocky grew older he became less mobile and he would welcome Mike’s visits. Many hours were spent playing Domino’s, a game Rocky took very seriously. They often went to the Elks club for 18 holes of golf. Even though Rocky was in his 70’s he would often whip his much younger nephew. Then off to the bowling alley with the same results. Many evenings they wound up at Scioto Downs race track in Columbus. Some of Mike’s fondest memories were from Rocky’s TV room where they would watch old TV shows like the Beverly Hillbillies, Andy Griffith, the Honeymooners; and also old Bing Crosby (with whom Rocky was friends) and Bob Hope movies.

Rocky Nelson passed away in his hometown of Portsmouth, Ohio on October 31, 2006 at age 81. Thanks to Mike Woten for sharing these personal reflections his uncle who was a good man and a fine ball player, Rocky Nelson!

-Gary Livacari

Photo Credits: All obtained in Google search, and Mike Woten personal collection

Information: Excepts edited from e-mail exchange with Mike Woten.

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