La Crosse, Wis. – The La Crosse Loggers front office announced today that Jason Nell will return as their field manager for 2014 season.
Nell, a Northwoods League veteran, led the 2013 Loggers to a 43-27 record in his first season at the helm of La Crosse. The 43 wins was the second highest single-season win total in Loggers history and the third best record in the entire NWL this past summer. The Loggers also produced the most post-season NWL all-stars with five and set new single-season records for hits (651) and RBI’s (366).
The 2013 season also marked the seventh season that Nell has coached in the NWL, six of which have been as a field manager including stints in Mankato (2006-2008), Waterloo (2010-2011) and now La Crosse. Nell currently ranks fifth on the all-time career wins list for managers in the NWL with a 216-196 mark, good enough for a .524 winning percentage, and was named the 2008 NWL Field Manager of the Year. He will enter the 2014 season just 14 wins behind former Madison skipper C.J. Thielke (230), who ranks fourth all-time, and 39 victories behind Tom Fleenor (255) who ranks third on the all-time managerial wins list. Nell has also coached 60 players that have been taken in the Major League Baseball draft, including current San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford.
"What an unbelievable experience and an exciting year,” proclaimed Nell. “Although my personal goal was not met, I know we sent each and every Logger home a better player and more importantly a better human being. I truly think after just listening to them after the season, that the experience we offered and provided them was enjoyable and memorable.” Nell continued, “The support from the city, organization, management, and the Copeland Crazies are second to none in the league. I am humbled to be back and to be associated the Kapankes, Chris Goodell, UWL athletics and their baseball team and the efforts from the Skogens and many other generous people. Last and certainly not least are my assistant coaches who are a wonderful, passionate, dedicated and honest group of men. Surround yourself with good people and good things will happen. I certainly have. Go Loggers!!”
“In order to continue to live up to our commitment of player development, we need an experienced leader and couldn’t be more thrilled to have Jason returning again”, said Loggers general manager Chris Goodell. “The culture that he creates through his daily drive to get better is an asset to our organization and the key to helping the players we bring in develop and prepare themselves for the next level.”
Nell is entering his thirteenth season as the head coach at Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, Iowa where he has enjoyed much success. Nell has produced 304 wins, 5 All-Americans, 8 Academic All-Americans and 35 All-Region selections. As well as these honors, the Lakers program has sent 65 players to continue their baseball careers at different NCAA Division I, II, III and NAIA programs.
At Iowa Lakes, Nell is also an instructor and works in the Success Center assisting students with a variety of needs. Nell currently resides in Estherville with his wife Lisa, and his daughters Gracie and Chloe.