Travis Nelson

Miami Sunbirds (2000)
In the 2000 Inaugural Draft, Nelson was drafted fifth overall by the Miami Sunbirds, establishing himself as their best player. Nelson had a great season start, just like many other players in the Sunbirds organization. He finished the season with 13 home runs and a team high 40 RBI. After missing the Championship Series, Nelson felt very frustrated with the Miami organization. He believed that he should be the main attraction of the team and designated teammates Adam Cassidy, Bill Orr and Pedro Salazar has players he would like to see leave the team. Despite having a stellar season, the Sunbirds organization decided it was in their best interest to let him go.

Dallas Rangers (2001)
After his behind the scenes outburst in Miami, Nelson hit the free agents market. A first round pick in the Inaugural Draft, many believed Nelson would be a prized player, but no teams were interested in him, saying they weren't in the need of a drama queen. After being on the market for the better part of the offseason, Nelson was finally picked up by Dallas just a mere month before the season opener on a one-year deal. His numbers were much lower and he hit a for a disappointing .291 and less than 10 home runs. It didn't prevent him from causing drama in the locker room and his contract wasn't renewed at the end of the season.

Surprise Return to Miami (2002-
Nelson built himself quite a reputation over the years and not many teams were interested in him on the free agent market. Nelson didn't make any waves over the winter and after being dead silent for five months, he returned in May to announced that he went to anger management classes and rehab and that he's now a changed man. Now sporting a mustache, Nelson apologized to the Miami Sunbirds and Dallas Rangers organization. A couple of days later, Miami shocked the baseball world by signing back Nelson, the man they threw out at the end of the 2000 season to a four-year deal. While he was better than he was with the Rangers, he didn't reach the level he had in his first year, but Miami management said they were pleased with Nelson and said they don't regret signing him. He will be back for the 2003 season.

Awards
1X Silver Slugger Award at RF(2000)