Tom was born and raised in Milwaukee playing high school baseball for Whitefish Bay Dominican and played in 2 state tournaments.  After high school, Tom played at Northwest Missouri State University, a Division 2 school north of Kansas City. After his freshman season, he transferred back home and played for Ripon College for 3 years. While there, Ripon won 3 conference titles and played in 3 NCAA tournaments.  He played all 3 outfield positions and left college as a .400 hitter.  He graduated from Ripon with a degree in Biology with an emphasis in Sports Medicine.

 

Tom's coaching experience started in high school.  He worked at Mike Hegan's Field of Dreams in Milwaukee which was an indoor batting cage and baseball academy.  he helped with youth summer baseball camps for ages 8 to 16 helping with hitting, fielding and pitching instruction.  He also coached the Junior Varsity team at Whitnall High School during the summers while he was still in college.  

 

He has been involved in coaching his sons teams since he started playing in De Pere baseball. The last two seasons he has coached the 11U and 12U travel tournament teams.  Last year they finished the season with a record of 18-8 to include one second place finish and two third place finishes.  

 

Tom currently resides in De Pere, WI with his wife (Lane), son Brayden and daughter Audrey.  He works for the De Pere Fire Department as Lieutenant/Paramedic with 21 years in the fire service.  His hobbies outside of baseball include walleye and musky fishing and pheasant hunting with his 3 year old black lab, Parker.

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"I know record does not matter at this age group as the focus should be on developing skills and character and that is my main focus as a coach.  For kids to grow and develop as baseball players, but more importantly develop and mature as young men."

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-Tom Nelson