Ricky Nelson
Born: 5/8/1959 in Eloy, AZ, USA
Died: 11/19/2021 in Phoenix, AZ, USA
MLB Debut: 1983-05-17 | Final Game: 1986-08-02
Bats: L | Throws: R | Height: 6'0" | Weight: 200 lbs
Full name: Ricky Lee Nelson
Biography
Ricky Nelson, born in 1959, was a professional baseball player who carved out a niche in Major League Baseball during a career that spanned from 1983 to 1986. Primarily known as a position player, Nelson played a total of 123 games, showcasing his skills at the plate and on the basepaths. He recorded 79 hits, which included 6 home runs and 39 runs batted in, finishing his career with a batting average of .247. In addition to his offensive contributions, Nelson displayed speed on the bases, accumulating 8 stolen bases throughout his time in the league.
Nelson’s career occurred during a transformative period in baseball as the sport was evolving with a greater emphasis on power hitting and athleticism. While he may not have been a household name, his tenure in Major League Baseball reflected the competitive spirit of the time and the challenges faced by players carving out their careers in an era marked by significant changes in the game. Nelson's contributions to his teams were characterized by a solid work ethic and versatility, embodying the qualities that many aspiring players sought to emulate.
Career Batting Statistics
| G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | PIV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 123 | 320 | 38 | 79 | 13 | 3 | 6 | 39 | 8 | 19 | 59 | 0.247 | 0.288 | 0.362 | 0.651 | -423.1 |
Season-by-Season Batting
| Year | Team | Lg | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | AVG | PIV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | SEA | AL | 98 | 291 | 32 | 74 | 13 | 3 | 5 | 36 | 7 | 17 | 50 | 0.254 | -423.1 |
| 1984 | SEA | AL | 9 | 15 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 0.200 | 0.0 |
| 1985 | SEA | AL | 6 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.000 | 0.0 |
| 1986 | SEA | AL | 10 | 12 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0.167 | 0.0 |
Fielding Statistics
Career Fielding Totals by Position
| Position | G | GS | PO | A | E | DP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OF | 97 | 75 | 127 | 10 | 5 | 1 |
Season-by-Season Fielding
| Year | Team | Pos | G | GS | PO | A | E | DP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | SEA | OF | 91 | 75 | 122 | 10 | 4 | 1 |
| 1984 | SEA | OF | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1985 | SEA | OF | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1986 | SEA | OF | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Career Games by Position
| Position | Games |
|---|---|
| Left Field | 47 |
| Center Field | 1 |
| Right Field | 55 |
| Designated Hitter | 8 |
College History
| School Name | City | State | Years Attended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Tempe | AZ | 1979, 1980, 1981 |