Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Danny Nelson (Baseball)

 

For Leominster High School senior Danny Nelson, baseball has been a major part of his life since he was five years old, when he was first introduced to the game by his family.
“I was introduced to this sport by my dad and brother,” said Nelson. “They both used to play.”
Nelson credits the competitive nature of the game as his favorite aspect, especially as a pitcher.
“I love being able to compete every time I step out onto the field,” Nelson said. “As a pitcher, I love being involved in every play and having that pressure on me to perform and compete against great hitters.”
A member of the varsity team since his sophomore year, Nelson has developed both his skill and confidence over the past three seasons.

“I've learned a lot about confidence, which is something I struggled with in my first season on varsity,” Nelson said. “I learned to trust my teammates and move on from mistakes that happened. It’s best to worry about the next pitch and not the one before.”
“Danny has come a long way since his freshman year,” said varsity head coach Rich Barnaby. “He arrived as a nervous, unsure player and has grown into one of the most dominant pitchers in Central Mass. Just as impressive, he’s a standout in the classroom and a perfect role model for everyone in our program. Coaching a player like Danny is truly a dream.”
Nelson has committed to UMass Boston, where he will study exercise and health science and continue his playing career as a pitcher for the Beacons. Outside of baseball, Nelson is a member of the National Honor Society and enjoys spending time with family and friends, fishing, and working out.
“My favorite class I have had is Anatomy and Physiology which I am taking this year,” Nelson said. “I like it because it is similar to the type of classes I will be studying in college and the topic is interesting to me. My favorite teacher I have had is Ms. Robineau who I had during my freshman year for U.S. History I. I am now taking AP Psychology with her this year.”
As he prepares for the next chapter, Nelson says his experience at Leominster High School will stay with him.
“The thing I like most about being a part of the team at LHS is the brotherhood that my teammates and I have built and the memories that we are continuously making,” Nelson said.