About: Gene Nelson (baseball)

Wayland Eugene Nelson II (born December 3, 1960), is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1981 to 1993. After beginning his career as a starting pitcher with the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners, Nelson gradually converted to a relief role starting in 1983. He was a key member of the ace relief staff that helped propel the Oakland Athletics to three pennant-winning seasons from 1988 to 1990, frequently setting up Dennis Eckersley for his saves. Nelson posted a 1.57 ERA in 1990 and earned a 9-6 record in 1988. After seeing his performance slip in 1991 and 1992, he closed out his career in 1993 with a 3.12 ERA while pitching for the California Angels and Texas Rangers.