Career
A left-handed pitcher, the native of San Diego, California, appeared in 93 games, 82 in relief, over six seasons in Major League Baseball for the Saint Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels and Minnesota Twins. He was listed as 6 feet (18 m) tall and 185 pounds (84 kg). Nelson"s 15-year playing career included the entire 1965 season and parts of five others in the Major Leagues.
However, he did not pitch in the 1965 World Series.
Three years later, in his second stint with the Cardinals, Nelson—recalled from the minor leagues in midyear—contributed two wins to the Redbirds" 1968 pennant-winning season, both as a starting pitcher. During his big-league career, Nelson allowed 184 hits and 69 bases on balls in 1732⁄3 innings pitched, recording 98 strikeouts and five saves.
After retiring from the field, Nelson then scouted for the Cardinals and other MLB clubs.
