Nellie King, a pitcher and broadcaster for the Pirates, died Wednesday after a battle with cancer and other complications. He mostly pitched in relief, and pitched to contact with very low walk and strikeout rates. He pitched two outstanding seasons in 1955 and 1956, and then was out of baseball after the 1957 season.
My thoughts go out to his family and friends.
I had the opportunity to meet with Nellie King on a number of occasions. We met for business, but when he learned that I was a big baseball fan, he regaled me with stories of Branch Rickey, Ted Williams and others.
He was an engaging story teller and very humble about his own talents.
Rest in Peace.