Dave Nilsson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dave Nilsson |
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David playing for the Brewers
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| Catcher / Outfielder / First baseman / Designated hitter | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Born: 14 December 1969 Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
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| Professional debut | ||||||||||||||||||||
| MLB: 18 May, 1992, for the Milwaukee Brewers | ||||||||||||||||||||
| NPB: 31 March, 2000, for the Chunichi Dragons | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Last appearance | ||||||||||||||||||||
| MLB: 3 October, 1999, for the Milwaukee Brewers | ||||||||||||||||||||
| NPB: 28 July, 2000, for the Chunichi Dragons | ||||||||||||||||||||
| MLB statistics | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Batting average | .284 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Home runs | 105 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Runs batted in | 470 | |||||||||||||||||||
| NPB statistics | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Batting average | .180 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Home runs | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Runs batted in | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | ||||||||||||||||||||
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 Baseball Hall of Fame |
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| Induction | 2005 | |||||||||||||||||||
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Medals
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David Wayne Nilsson (born 14 December 1969) is a famous Australian former professional baseball player. He was a catcher and played for the Milwaukee Brewers in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was the first Australian player to be chosen for an All-Star game in 1999.
After his MLB career, David played for Australia in the 2000 Summer Olympics and the 2004 Summer Olympics. He helped his country win a silver medal in baseball at the 2004 Olympics. Today, he manages the Australia national baseball team and the Brisbane Bandits.
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Early Life and Baseball Start
David Nilsson was born in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. He went to Kedron State High School. He loved baseball from a young age.
Joining the Minor Leagues
In January 1987, when David was 17, the Milwaukee Brewers signed him. This meant he joined their team as a young player. He started playing professionally that year with the Helena Brewers. He had a great start, hitting for a .394 batting average.
In 1988, he played for the Queensland Rams in Australia. He was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament. He also played in the new Australian Baseball League.
Rising Through the Ranks
David continued to improve his skills. In 1990, he helped the Stockton Ports win a championship. He also played very well in the Australian Baseball League for the Daikyo Dolphins. He hit for a .400 average and won the MVP award.
By 1991, he was playing in higher minor leagues. He played for the El Paso Diablos and then the Denver Zephyrs. He was seen as one of the top young players.
Playing in Major League Baseball
In 1992, David Nilsson was called up to play for the Milwaukee Brewers. This was his dream to play in Major League Baseball (MLB). In his first game, he hit a three-run double. He was one of the youngest players in the American League that year.
Key Moments with the Brewers
On April 11, 1994, David hit the first home run ever at the new Rangers Ballpark. A few days later, he and Graeme Lloyd became the first all-Australian "battery" in an MLB game. This means they were the pitcher and catcher together.
David had a very good season in 1994. He hit for a .275 batting average and was named the Brewers Player of the Year. He also played well in Australia, leading his team, the Brisbane Bandits, to a championship.
Overcoming Challenges
In 1995, David got sick with Ross River Fever. This made him miss the start of the MLB season. When he returned, he played more as an outfielder instead of a catcher.
In 1996, he had one of his best MLB seasons. He hit for a .331 batting average, which was very high. He also hit 17 home runs. On May 17, 1996, he became the first Milwaukee Brewer to hit two home runs in the same inning!
All-Star Recognition
In 1999, David had another excellent season. He hit 21 home runs and played catcher regularly again. He was chosen to play in the 1999 All-Star Game. This was a huge honor, as he was the first Australian to ever play in an MLB All-Star Game.
David decided to leave MLB after the 1999 season. He wanted to play for Australia in the 2000 Summer Olympics. Many people praised him for this choice, as he gave up a lot of money to represent his country.
International Baseball Star
David Nilsson became a true star in international baseball. He showed how much he loved playing for Australia.
Olympic Success
In 1999, David helped Australia win its first gold medal in baseball at the Intercontinental Cup. He was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP).
At the 2000 Sydney Olympics, David played incredibly well. He had the best batting average, slugging average, and on-base percentage in the entire tournament. Even with his amazing performance, Australia finished fifth.
In 2004, David was the captain of the Australian national baseball team at the 2004 Athens Olympics. He led the team to a historic silver medal. This was Australia's first Olympic medal in baseball.
Coaching Career
After his playing career, David Nilsson became a successful coach.
Leading the Brisbane Bandits
In 2014, David became the manager of the Brisbane Bandits in the Australian Baseball League. He worked hard to improve the team. He led the Bandits to win the Claxton Shield in 2016, their first championship in the new Australian Baseball League.
He continued his success, guiding the Brisbane Bandits to back-to-back championships in 2017. For his great coaching, he received the 2017 Queensland Sport Coach of the Year award.
Managing the National Team
In 2018, after winning three championships with the Bandits, David Nilsson was named the manager of the Australian national baseball team. He continues to lead the national team today.
Awards and Recognition
David Nilsson has received many honors for his contributions to baseball.
In 2018, he was named one of the "Queensland Greats" by the Premier of Queensland. This award recognizes people who have made a big difference to the state.
In 2019, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). This is a special award from the Australian government for his "service to baseball as a player, coach and mentor."
In 2008, David was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. This means he is recognized as one of Australia's greatest athletes.
Personal Life
David Nilsson lives in Brisbane. He is the uncle of Mitch Nilsson, who is also a standout player for the Brisbane Bandits.
