Worcester, MA --- Worcester State College first baseman Nate Nelson (Worcester, MA) has been selected in the 40th round of the 2008 Major League Baseball Entry Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays. Nelson was the 1,209 overall pick. This is the second time that Nelson has been drafted. He was originally taken in the 30th round of the 2002 draft by the Oakland Athletics but elected not to sign.
Nelson capped off a stellar two year Worcester State career this season being named to the NEIBA All-New England baseball team. Nelson was named to the 2nd team as a first baseman. Last season, Nelson was an All-New England 1st Team selection at designated hitter. The big first baseman was slated to play in the annual New England College All Star game to be played at Fenway Park next weekend but will instead report to the Florida Rookie League on Monday.
Nelson, who has been a two-time All MASCAC first team performer, batted .336 with a team high 43 RBI and 10 homeruns. Nelson won MASCAC Player of the Week honors for two consecutive weeks heading into the MASCAC tournament. At the end of the academic year, Nelson was honored as Worcester State's co-senior male athlete of the year along with teammate Chris Gusha. Nelson was a preseason d3baseball.com 2nd Team All American this year as well.
Nelson finished his Lancer career ranked second in homeruns with 22, second in career slugging percentage at .717 and holds the single season record for walks with 33. For his two years he batted .375.
Nelson is the second Lancer drafted in the past three years. Right-handed pitcher Tim Stronach was selected by the New York Mets in the 22nd round of the 2006 draft.
PAST WORCESTER STATE PLAYERS IN PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL:
Nate Nelson (2008 Blue Jays 40th Round Pick)
Tim Stronach (2006 NY Mets 22nd Round Pick; 2007-08 A
Mets)
Jeff LaHair (2006-08 Worcester Tornadoes Can-Am League)
Bear Dunn (2005 Worcester Tornadoes Can-Am Champs)
Bob Case (2002 Berkshire Bears Northern League)
Jason Akana (1996 Meridian Brakemen Big South League)
Phil Moresi (1968 Canadian Professional League)
Ernie Kapatoes (1967 Drafted by Pittsburgh Pirates)
Paul Kadis (1965 Drafted by California Angels)
Bill Leach (1962 Drafted by Washington Senators)
Ron Elkind (1959 Detroit Tigers Minor League System)