Jeff Nelson was content doing radio work and spending time with his wife and four daughters in Seattle, after spending 14 seasons in the major leagues.
Still, the right-hander and Catonsville High School graduate wished he could have retired on his own terms insteadof being released by the St. Louis Cardinals at the end of spring training. That wish became a reality recently following a chance meeting with Chicago White Sox general manager Ken Williams in late April at Safeco Field in Seattle.
Williams asked Nelson in that meeting if he was interested in returning to baseball for the defending World Series champions. Soon after, Nelson signed a minor-league deal with the White Sox and quickly worked his way up to the big league?s prior to Tuesday?s game against the Oakland A?s. He made his first appearance for Chicago that day as he walked one before getting a flyout to end the seventh inning in a 9-3 White Sox win.
“I knew this would be my last year entering spring training, but I didn?t want to end my career by getting released,” Nelson said Wednesday.
Nelson gives the White Sox a valuable late-inning relief option that understands the pressure of pitching in a pennant race. The 39-year-old played a vital role in the bullpen for the New York Yankees as they won the World Series four times from 1996-2000.
As a way of improving his conditioning, Nelson appeared in four games with Triple-A Charlotte and quickly returned to form. He gave up no runs and struck out seven in 5.3 innings before getting recalled.
“My arm feels fine and I think I?ll only get stronger as the season goes on,” said Nelson, who made his big league debut for the Seattle Mariners in 1992.
Nelson said that he wouldn?t have returned to baseball for any team, as he wants to hopefully retire with one more championship ring.
“Getting the chance to play for a contender helped me make my decision, and getting the chance to win another the World Series is a great way to go out,” he said.
THE NELSON FILE
Position: Pitcher
Born: Baltimore
Drafted: By the L.A. Dodgers in the 22nd round, 1984
Did you know? Nelson is 48-44 with a 3.41 ERA in his career ? He has appeared in 793 games ? He was 1-3 with a 3.49 ERA in 49 games with the Seattle Mariners last season.
