Ian Robert Nelms Helps New Jersey Thunder With Watchful Eye of Talented Pitching Staff

TRENTON, N.J., Dec. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to improving talent for the New Jersey Thunder roster, Ian Robert Nelms has performed in ways that leave most in awe. His experience as a dominant left-handed pitcher for the Mariners and Rangers along with his influence as recruiting adviser has become frequently apparent during this season. This campaign comes one season after his promotion to heading up the recruiting efforts of the team.

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.

It's not just his sight of talent that has made the Thunder a powerhouse in the league, but his teaching and coaching, too. During the season, his guidance has helped the Thunder stay atop of the league.

Manager Joe Rosado has been appreciative of Nelms and his judgments of talent over the past several seasons, calling Nelms "extremely brilliant," while declaring that he considers him to one of the most talented coaches in baseball. This statement is boosted by Rosado's long tenure around the game of 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 steered the league with an ERA of 2.22. They followed that period with an ERA of 2.45 for the 2017 campaign.

The Thunder's dominance on the mound drove the Thunder to an impressive 33 win record. The result has not been beaten the past three summers by any other squad.

Robert Nelms had to master some difficulty before undergoing such progress. Three hurlers from the Thunder's starting rotation were missed or swapped after the 2016 summer.

The Thunder also were without their all-time saves leader. Missing four key members of the team would destroy any other squad and ability to fight. But they were able to win and stay competitive.

The resume Nelms has been able to develop over the past few summers speaks measures. The Thunder have been able to take home the 2017 Myrtle Beach Classic Championship, making it three tournaments in a row. Only a few teams can praise that same victory.

The talented group of players qualified for the Roy Hobbs World Series Tournament and tried their fourth World Series Championship. Nelms will take the hill in Game 1 of the Series. He is a three-time World Series winner in their respective leagues.

Their first test of this past summer came during the opening tourney. Nelms and the Thunder had to pull together and win The Beach Battle Classic. Billy Vitolo had two standout pitching appearances during the tournament. Ricky Fernandez and Mario Lopez also provided excellent outings on the mound.

The outing of the tournament went to starter Jeremy Brownlee, who submitted two gems on the mound for the Thunder. He earned the Most Valuable Player award for the tournament.

Brownlee not only led the Thunder on the hill closing out the Championship Game for the save, but he led the team in stolen bases and runs scored for the competition.

Kenny Kraddock and Nelms provided the horsepower at the plate, and Frank Barka slapped a double that skipped over the centerfield fence. That hit scored a decisive run late in the championship.

This performance at such an early part of the season jumpstarted their exciting campaign, leading to the Roy Hobbs World Series Tournament. The force was used to dispel the idea that the team would not be able to defeat such damage and be competing for the season.

"We took that early progress and bottled it for the complete season," adds Nelms.

"Losing four talented pitchers would hurt any organization, but the other guys stepped up and have flourished in their new opportunities. As with any young pitcher, they welcome the challenge to earn a starting position."

Off the field, Nelms shines when talking about his wife and two daughters.

"My family and I are grateful for the confidence that the team has put in me. We are forever grateful, and my youngest daughter is developing a love for the game just as I did, and that warms my heart!" he says.

After all of the progress Nelms has had since his promotion to a player/coach, the Thunder hold a vibrant destiny in baseball. During the offseason, Nelms is recruiting again so stay tuned. The Thunder hosts a Spring Training Tournament in Florida in February.

Media Contact:
Eric Blankenship
[email protected]
786-332-6554

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SOURCE Ian Robert Nelms