TRENTON, N.J., October 25, 2017 (Newswire.com) - When it comes to recruiting talent for the New Jersey Thunder, Robert Nelms has made all the right moves. His impact as recruiting coordinator has become increasingly evident during the season, which comes one year after his promotion to heading the recruiting aspect of the ballclub.
With a wealth of baseball knowledge from his days of playing at the amateur, minor and semi-pro league levels, he has been using his experience to bring the right talent to the Thunder.
We took that early success and bottled it for the entire season.
Robert Nelms
It’s not just his eye for talent that has made the Thunder a powerhouse, but his teaching and coaching during the season that has helped keep them at the top of their respective league.
Thunder manager Joe Rosado has been complimentary of Nelms and his recruiting decisions over the past few seasons. Calling Nelms “ridiculously intelligent,” while stating that he considers him to one of the most talented coaches he’s been around during his two decades of coaching baseball.
Since Nelms joined the coaching staff, the Thunder have managed to maintain a 2.64 ERA, putting them second in the league. Three seasons ago, the Thunder led the league with an ERA of 2.22. They followed with an ERA of 2.45 for the 2017 campaign.
The Thunder’s dominance on the hill led to an impressive 33 win season. The mark has not been topped the past three seasons by any other team.
Robert Nelms had to overcome adversity before experiencing such success. Three pitchers from the Thunder’s starting rotation were lost or traded after the 2016 season.
They also lost their all-time saves leader. Losing four key players would hurt any team and their ability to compete. But the Thunder were able to overcome and stay competitive.
The resume Nelms has been able to build over the past few seasons speaks volumes. The Thunder have been able to take home the 2017 Myrtle Beach Classic Championship, making that three years in a row. Only a few teams can tout that success.
They have also qualified for the Roy Hobbs World Series Tournament and seek their fourth World Series Championship. Nelms will take the hill in game 1, of the Series. He is a 3 time World Series winner, in the A, AA, and AAA leagues.
Their first test of this past season came during the opening tournament. Robert Nelms and the Thunder had to pull together and win The Beach Battle Classic.
Billy Vitolo had two standout pitching performances during the tournament. Ricky Fernandez and Mario Lopez also contributed excellent outings on the hill for the Thunder.
The outing of the tournament belonged to starter Jeremy Brownlee, who threw two gems on the hill for the Thunder. He earned the Most Valuable Player award for the tournament.
Brownlee not only led the Thunder on the mound, but he led the team in stolen bases for the tournament.
Kenny Kraddock and Robert Nelms provided the power at the plate. Frank Barka also smacked a double that bounced over the centerfield wall. It scored a crucial run late in the championship.
This success at such an early part of the season jumpstarted their successful and exciting campaign, leading to the Roy Hobbs World Series Tournament. The momentum was used to dispell the notion that the team would not be able to overcome such loss and be competitive for the season.
"We took that early success and bottled it for the entire season," adds Robert Nelms.
"Losing four key pitchers would hurt any team, but the guys stepped up and have thrived in their new roles."
Off the field, Nelms glows when talking about his wife and two daughters. "My family and I are thankful for the faith that the team has put in us. We are forever grateful." After the success, Nelms has had since his promotion, to a Player / Coach the Thunder hold a bright future.
Press Contact: Eric Blankenship 786-332-6554
Source: Robert Nelms
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