Nelson Family Remembers Son With Never Say Can't Baseball Showcase

When boys from around the Des Moines area run onto the baseball fields at Johnston High School Sunday, they will helping to keep the memory of Spenser Nelson alive.

Nelson, who died in 2012, is the spirit behind the Never Say Can't Baseball Showcase to be held July 14 at the Johnston High School athletic fields.
"We want the kids to have fun," said one of the organizers, Ellen Nelson, who is not related to Spenser's family. "It all about the kids. It won't be all work."

Spenser's parents, Curt and Tammy Nelson want the showcase to be a session of skills and feedback for current freshmen and sophomores. Athletes will spend half a day hitting, throwing and running for high school and college baseball coaches from across the Midwest.

The boys taking part will be "playing a game that Spenser loved," said Tammy Nelson.

Coaches from Central College, Luther College, Cornell College, Grand View University, Coe College, Winona State University, Upper Iowa University and Des Moines Area Community College are expected to attend, according to the foundation website.

The Never Say Can't Foundation was created by the Nelsons in memory of their son, Spenser, who was an avid baseball player.

"It's a learning tool for parents and athletes," Curt Nelson said. "This is unique in Iowa. It's giving back to the game."

Athletes will know what they need to work on to improve their game, and parents and boys will hear about what to expect in the college recruiting process. Not every athlete wins a full-ride college scholarship, Curt said, so boys need to know that grades and good citizenship skills are important to obtain academic scholarships.

While similar showcases are aimed at juniors and seniors and cost from $450 to $750, the Johnston event will cost $125, with an additional $25 fee for a second position evaluation. No boy will be turned away, however, the Nelsons said.

"We need to be the driving force to give kids opportunities," Ellen Nelson said.

In addition to the baseball showcase, a picnic and silent auction will be held between the baseball showcase morning and afternoon sessions. Proceeds from the showcase will benefit the Kiwanis Miracle League of Des Moines.

Area residents can simply attend the picnic and auction if they want to help support the foundation. Tickets are available at Monday's Johnston vs. Dowling baseball game, at the Johnston High School athletic office and the day of the event.