Troy University Athletics
Johnson's Journal: Nelson’s Two-Way Talent Fuels Troy’s Postseason Push
5/29/2026 10:00:00 AM | Baseball
TROY, Ala. - Troy University outfielder/pitcher Drew Nelson halfway jokes that being best friends with the team trainer is key to being a successful two-way baseball player on the college level.
"Just taking care of your body - being disciplined with your sleep and your recovery," Nelson said on staying sharp. "And come those late innings - the sixth or seventh innings - getting throws you need to in the bullpen before you go out to left field, which is what I had to do this past weekend (in Sun Belt Tournament.)"
Nelson, the regular starting left fielder for the Trojans who also sees spot duty as a pitcher, was recently named All-Sun Belt First Team as a utility player. Nelson has a .311 batting average, which is third best on the team, and has compiled a 3-2 record on the mound in 11 appearances - three games as a starter and eight in relief.
While keeping himself physically healthy is a priority, just as important is the mental aspect of the game. Even while he's in the outfield, Nelson knows he could be called on to pitch at any moment, thus he takes note of what the opposing batters are doing at the plate.
"I'm going to focus on the task at hand, and that's playing the outfield and hitting at the time, but you definitely have to prepare your mind whether you're up three runs, or it's a tied game, or you're down one and you're fighting to take the lead for you to come in (to pitch)," Nelson said.
The Trojans are getting set to compete in the Gainesville Regional this weekend hosted by No. 8 national seed Florida. Troy (32-29) takes on Miami (38-18) on Friday at 5 p.m. CT. Earlier in the day, Florida (39-18) plays Rider (33-18) in the double-elimination tournament at Condron Family Ballpark.
Nelson, a senior, is prepared for whatever duties Troy head coach Skylar Meade needs from him.
"Coach Meade is usually up front and I have a good idea whether I'm going to throw that day or not, so I'm just preparing mentally and physically to close a game, or get out of a jam, or what not," Nelson said of his pitching role.
An all-around player
While being a two-way player is somewhat rare on the college level, having a chance to play in the field but also continue to pitch was a priority for Nelson after deciding to transfer from Auburn following his first two seasons on the college level. At Auburn, Nelson was only used as a pitcher.
"Deep down, I always knew I could hit and I wanted to keep hitting," Nelson said. "It's something the (Troy) coaching staff allowed me to do. Now, I will say they wanted me to keep hitting to keep the athleticism … they felt it would help me out as a pitcher … but I always knew I could hit, and so I was going to prove to them that I could do both."
The move to Troy has proven to be a good decision for Nelson and the Trojans.
"Leaving Auburn, when you look at the short term, you don't really know what plan God has for you," Nelson said. "But if you stay faithful to Him, you never know what's going to happen. Sticking to the process and being able to be recognized for that (All-Sun Belt) honor is something, you know, only God can do."
Growing up in Troy, Nelson was accustomed to displaying his talents on the mound, in the field and in the batter's box.
Playing on the high school level at Pike Liberal Arts School, Nelson was named the 2022 Alabama Baseball Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior after leading the Patriots to an AISA state championship with a .463 batting average and compiling a 1.00 earned run average on the mound with 106 strikeouts in 49 innings. Nelson was a two-time AISA Pitcher of the Year and helped Pike Lib to four state titles.
After playing sparingly last season for Troy following his transfer from Auburn, Nelson has been an everyday player this season, primarily as the starting left fielder, but also keeping ready as a pitcher.
It's something Nelson has thoroughly enjoyed.
"Just the ability to go out there and compete with your teammates is all you could ask for," Nelson said. "Being in there every day and having the routine of competing and giving your team the best chance to win is what you play for."
Nelson doesn't hesitate in saying a strong Christian faith has kept him on the right track.
"Being able to separate baseball and my faith is huge," Nelson said. "Whether it's wins or losses, being able to put my identity in Christ and worship and glorify Him no matter what is why I play the game."
Returning to play college baseball in his hometown of Troy has also been rewarding.
"It's been extremely fun knowing you've got the support in the crowd, and having people watch you who came to your Little League games is comforting," Nelson said. "It's good to see when you look up into the crowd and you've got a ton of family and friends there."
Postseason play
After a 6-2 loss to Southern Miss ended Troy's run in the Sun Belt Tournament last Sunday in Montgomery, there were some doubts as to whether the Trojans would receive an at-large bid to an NCAA Regional. While the record stood at 32-29, having the nation's No. 6 strength of schedule and the No. 1 non-conference strength of schedule was in the Trojans' favor.
"After we got eliminated against Southern Miss, Coach Meade just said to have a positive outlook on the next 24 hours, and that's exactly what we did," Nelson said. "With the schedule we played and the work we put in, we knew that hopefully it would take care of itself."
As the team gathered this past Monday to watch the NCAA Regional Selection Show, cheers erupted from the team when the Trojans were placed in the Gainesville Regional. It was the ninth time in program history Troy has earned a trip to a regional and the first time since 2023.
"The relief of hearing our name called on Monday was huge," Nelson said. "We're pumped up to be here in Gainesville and have a shot at Omaha (World Series site)."
Though it's been an up-and-down season, Troy has played its best baseball down the stretch. In the month of May, the Trojans saw their RPI climb 32 spots from No. 67 on May 1 to No. 35 going into Selection Monday.
"Everything that Coach Meade preached since our first meeting in August was play your best baseball in May," Nelson said. "When the times got tough come March and we had a little skid, our eyes were set on getting back to doing what we know to do and play our best baseball in May. That's ultimately what we're doing now."
Nelson says a close bond within the team made a huge difference, especially when things weren't going so well.
"There can be a lot of finger-pointing, but not out of this team," Nelson said. "We always had that positive mindset in picking each other up and keeping our heads high.
"Our camaraderie and our culture is second to none. Every single day we're hanging out … doing whatever it is. When we get on the field, we know with all the hard work we put in and the hanging out after hours, that the next guy is going to have your back."
The winner of the Gainesville Regional will match up with the winner of the Hattiesburg Regional, hosted by Southern Miss.
