Billy Nelson is a 5-foot-11, 185-pound right handed pitcher, or is he? Nelson recently committed to Indian River State College in Fort Pierce, FL and is hoping he will be a little bit more for the foreseeable future. For a guy who sits 84-88 with very good control of his complimentary pitches, one would think pitching would be enough.

             

In talking with Nelson he feels differently. "I had eight Division I offers from seven different conferences. It has always been my dream to play in Florida, and I will live that dream all while being able to keep my options open. One of the most important things to me is to be able to both hit and pitch at the next level. A lot of coaches say they support it and are a big fan of two way guys but when I visit the previous years stats online there is no one in their program actually doing it."

Nelson had a strong summer on the mound and at the plate. At the WWBA 17U National Championships in East Cobb, Georgia, Nelson showed a glimpse of his ability to do both. Pitching for the Moosic Mets, Nelson went all seven innings, striking out 17 Midwest Pelican batters in a no-hit effort. Offensively, Nelson drove in two runs which was all the support he needed on that day.

When asked why he chose Indian River Nelson responded, "I have a very good friend that attended Indian River, Corey Spangenberg (2011, 1st Round,10th overall pick to the Padres). After getting Corey's take on Indian River, it assured me I was making the right decision and doing what is best for me.

Nelson now turns his focus to his senior season at North Pocono high school where his goal is back to back district titles for his team. It took North Pocono 37 years to attain the district title they earned last year, and Nelson would like to see the next one come a whole lot quicker.

Indian River State College, formerly known as Indian River Community College, has a storied history in college baseball. Over 130 former Indian River baseball players have signed professional contracts
and played either Minor or Major League Baseball.