Nelson Briles

Nelson Kelley Briles (August 5, 1943 – February 13, 2005) was a Major League Baseball pitcher. A hard thrower whose best pitch was a slider, he exhibited excellent control. Briles batted and threw right-handed.

Born in Dorris, California, he grew up in Chico, California where he played baseball at Chico Senior High School. He met his wife, Ginger Briles, in their high school musical, Damn Yankees. He then played baseball at Santa Clara University (1961-1963) before signing with the St. Louis Cardinals as an amateur free agent in 1963. He spent just one season in their farm system before joining the Cards in 1965.