Troy Nelson honored by original franchise

LOS ANGELES, CA -- 30 Sept. 2010.

The South Bay Scorpions announced today that the last Friday night game of the season will be Troy Nelson's last start in his illustrious career. Troy had been a middle reliever and occasional spot starter since being re-acquired by his original franchise from New York last season. After Troy told the team that he planned to retire at year's end, owner/GM Michael Weintraub decided to honor him with one final scheduled start for the team.

"Troy pitched the first no-hitter in the league, as well as had four wins in the Cecil Cup in his career. We would not be where we are if not for him," Weintraub announced while on vacation in the team's original home, Stockholm, Sweden. "He won the Outstanding Pitcher award in 2002, and led the league in ERA and shutouts in 2004. Then, of course, there's the one-hitter he pitched against Houston that year in the Cecil Cup that helped us win our first of four straight championships. We'll miss him."

Other original Stockholm Sluggers from the 2002 team will be on hand, including current teammates Frank Carroll and Casey Plunk (who is also retiring after this season). Original home run king Joseph Denn and fellow original ace Craig Barmore will stop by the Scorpion Pit for autographs before the game, as well as to throw out the ceremonial first pitches. The team will give out replica Stockholm Slugger jerseys before the game with Nelson - 14 on the back, and retire Nelson's #14 jersey in a post-game ceremony. His number will join Denn's #96 and Barmore's #76 on the Wall of Glory that stands just beyond the left-centerfield wall at the seaside marvel of a stadium called the Scorpion Pit.

The South Bay Scorpions are the most successful franchise in league history, with more regular season and post season wins than any other team. Additionally, the team has won more Cecil Cups than any other team.