Candy Nelson

From BR Bullpen

John W. Nelson

• Bats Left, Throws Right
• Height 5' 6", Weight 145 lb.

• Debut June 11, 1872
• Final Game August 25, 1890
• Born 1849 in Brooklyn, NY USA
• Died September 4, 1910 in Brooklyn, NY USA

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[edit] Biographical Information

Candy Nelson had a long major league career, playing in the National Association from 1872-75, in the National League in 1878-89, 1881, and one game in 1887, and in the American Association 1883-87 and 1890. Starting in 1883, he was one of the three oldest players in his league.

Nelson played all the infield positions, including a game at catcher, and is known to have played right field and center field as well. Primarily he was a shortstop, appearing at that position in 560 of his 833 major league games. Except 1981 he was the regular shortstop for the New York Metropolitans throughout the club's independent and AA history (1880-1887) including the first worlds championship series in 1884.

He stood 5 ' 6 ", while the second baseman on his team in 1884, Dasher Troy, stood 5 ' 5 ".

Born in Brooklyn, he played almost all of his professional career for teams in the state of New York, and later died in Brooklyn.

Nelson led the league three times in walks. In 1884, his 74 walks were far ahead of the # 2 player in the league, Billy Geer, who had 38.

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