Published On: 06.10.16 | 

By: Karim Shamsi-Basha

Birmingham Barons GM Jonathan Nelson is the team’s giving arm

Jonathan Nelson, general manager of the Birmingham Barons, makes sure the team is a major player in the community, including its charities. (Karim Shamsi-Basha/Alabama NewsCenter)

For 12 Alabamians on June 3, baseball became the ultimate American pastime – for the rest of their lives.

America’s colors, sports, music and culture decorated Regions Field and provided the perfect background for a naturalization ceremony. The 12 took the Oath of Allegiance as officials from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services inaugurated them into the great melting pot, the United States.

Birmingham Barons General Manager Jonathan Nelson addressed the new citizens: “Baseball is America’s pastime, and there is no better place to become a U.S. citizen than at a ballpark.”

Nelson said events like the inauguration ceremony remind him why he loves his job.

Alabama Bright Lights: Birmingham Barons’ Jonathan Nelson from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

“We were honored to host a naturalization here at Regions Field,” he said. “Obviously, a very special day for all those individuals becoming U.S. citizens. It’s also important for our organization to be active community partners.”

For Nelson, the experience was one of many that exemplify the Birmingham Barons’ service to the community. Nelson leads the team in supporting charitable entities such as Children’s of Alabama, the Salvation Army and many others. The Barons help nonprofits raise money through jersey auctions and special game nights.

The team also holds youth events and designed its Community Heroes program to recognize teachers, firefighters, law enforcement and volunteers who make a difference in the Birmingham community.

“The Barons have been around since 1885, and a big part of our success is being an active community partner,” Nelson said. “We want to participate with all the different organizations in town. Whether it’s promoting a walk, a fundraiser or a dinner, we want to bring awareness to their campaigns.”

Nelson has earned many honors, including the Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year award in 2009. Along with Barons owner Stan Logan, Nelson oversaw the design, building and opening of the award-winning Regions Field. He is a native of Fairhope and started as an intern with the Barons in 1993.

“I think that in life, you owe a responsibility to give back to the community, and so many people help you along the way,” he said. “Fortunately, this is my 23rd season with the Barons. It’s important that we all give back. It’s our responsibility not only as corporate partners but also as individuals in our society.”

For Nelson, being the general manager of the Birmingham Barons is a way of providing his community with the great American pastime, and plenty of good to go with it.

Play ball!

Alabama Bright Lights captures the stories, through words, pictures and video, of some of our state’s brightest lights who are working to make Alabama an even better place to live, work and play. Award-winning journalist Karim Shamsi-Basha tells their inspiring stories. Email him comments, as well as suggestions on people to profile, at karimshamsibasha@gmail.com.