Legendary minor league slugger Nelson won the Triple Crown at Montreal in 1955 (.364,
37 HR, 130 RBI) and Toronto in 1958 (.326, 43 HR, 120 RBI). Three times the International
League MVP, he finally stuck in the majors in 1959 on his second go-round with Pittsburgh.
Platooned with the iron-gloved
Dick Stuart, Rocky provided better fielding while
batting .291 in 1959 and .300 in 1960. Nelson was known for his oversized tobacco
chaw, continuous chatter, and an odd, open batting stance, with both feet pointed
at the pitcher. The Portsmouth, Ohio native was inducted into the
International League,
the Ohio Baseball, and the Canadian Baseball halls of fame.
(ME)
Rocky Nelson
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