University of San Francisco Athletics

Athlete All-American

Joseph Nelson

Honors:
Baseball (1995-1996)

Major: Business Administration
Hometown: Alameda, CA
Career Highlights: One-year letter winner for Baseball; 1996 Mario Pieretti Award for Pitcher of the Year.

Biography: Nelson was a native of Alameda, and attended St. Joseph's High School. He and played for USF in the 1996 season after two stellar years at Seminole State College as a standout pitcher. Nelson spurned the Major League Baseball Draft in 1994 and in 1995. In his one year pitching at Benedetti Diamond, Nelson was the number three starter and closer as well as shortstop. On the bump he made 14 appearances, and started in five games. In 54.0 innings pitched, he sported a 2.33 ERA, striking out 52 compared to just 15 walks. His 2.33 ERA led the Dons that year and, when he graduated, it ranked fifth best in a single season. His five saves was second most in a single season: it still ranks tied for 10th. He threw two complete games, including a complete game shutout against Santa Clara in which he tossed seven innings of four hit balls with a pair of strikeouts. At the plate, he made 31 starts and batted .247. In 81 times at bats he tallied 20 hits, and scored 11 runs. He finished the year with three doubles, a triple and a home run. He also swiped three bags in four attempts.

Why Nelson Chose USF: "USF was close to home and my parents could watch me play."

Favorite USF Memories: "The food was amazing."

The USF Student-Athlete Experience: "I loved it, dorm life was great."

Life After USF: Following the 1996 season, Nelson was selected by the Atlanta Braves in Round 4 (122nd pick overall) in the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. He made his big league debut for the Braves on June 13, 2001 coming in as a relief for Hall of Famer Tom Glavine. He made two appearances that year. In 2006 he made 43 appearances for the Kansas City Royals, going 1-1 with a 4.43 ERA in 44.2 innings pitched. He earned his first career win on September, 9, 2006 when the Royals defeated the Boston Red Sox 10-4. Nelson threw an inning and a third, scattering a hit and a walk. In 2008 he had his best year while pitching for the Florida Marlins. He appeared in a career-best 59 games, tossing 54.0 innings with a 2.00 ERA. He went 3-1 that year with a save. His Major League career spanned six years. In 152.0 innings Nelson went 7-2 with a 4.38 ERA and struck out 154 batters. After his playing career he served as a professional scout for the Red Sox, the Mariners, and the Chicago Cubs.

Schedule

Athlete All-American

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Upcoming Events

Upcoming Event: Men's Golf at El Macero Classic - Day One on Apr. 10, 2026

Upcoming Event: Beach Volleyball versus Concordia (Calif.) on Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Baseball versus San Diego on Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Beach Volleyball at Pepperdine on Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Men's Golf at El Macero Classic - Day Two on Apr. 11, 2026

Upcoming Event: Track and Field versus Jim Linthicum Invitational on Apr. 11, 2026

Upcoming Event: Beach Volleyball at Pepperdine on Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Upcoming Event: Baseball versus San Diego on Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

Athlete All-American

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