Off-Field Instructionals: Davey Nelson Offers Thoughts on Ryan Braun at Youth Skills Clinic

Wednesday morning, former All Star and Brewers coach and current FSWisconsin television personality Davey Nelson stepped back

onto the playing field–but for a different cause.

Nelson was leading instructions in the Davey Nelson Skills Clinic at Helfaer Field, sponsored by US Cellular. Around 25 children from Milwaukee received lessons on how fielding, hitting, and base running from the 1973 All Star second baseman.

“It’s great to just step away from it all and play ball with the kids,” Nelson said after the 90 minute-long clinic wrapped up.

A $10,000 donation was given to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Milwaukee by US Cellular following the duration of the baseball activities.

“I jumped on board with US Cellular because I was heavily involved in the Compton Boys and Girls Clubs growing up,” said Nelson.

With most of his playing nowadays coming from the on-field instructionals following games on the FSWisconsin telecast, Nelson joked that his velocity was a little down and he left some pitches down the heart of the plate which were laced into the outfield. He, however, wasn’t in the proper form to take the left field spot at Miller Park occupied by Ryan Braun, who is serving a 65-game suspension for association with the Biogenesis clinic.

Nelson, though, like most, was disappointed in Braun, offered a much more positive outlook to the situation.

“The silver linings here are the opportunities to look at guys like Logan Schafer, Caleb Gindl, and Khris Davis.”

With the Brewers sitting in last place in a season not headed toward the postseason, the loss of Braun gives the team a chance to take a good look at many options for the future of the team. Nelson also added that Braun has been nagged by a thumb injury for a couple of months, and the suspension serves as time for him to rest his body.

On the field, Nelson doesn’t see the current situation as any problem. Braun will be back, playing left field, and, almost certainly, batting third while many of the players that were given playing time in his absence will have more experience.

Around the club, Nelson says the news has been “difficult for the players”, in large part because they have “been put on the spot to talk and offer their opinions when Ryan’s been one of their friends for years.” Once Braun speaks to the media with more details, Nelson believes players will then start within the Brewers clubhouse will open up a bit more.

As for right now, it’s still a tender subject, as evidenced by comments from ownership, management, and the players.