Mr. Clean

While coaching his team to their third straight regular season title, the Generals skipper spent afternoons cleaning.
Many times during the season the coach left his door cracked open, polishing batting helmets that were scathed from the night before. So when ammonia scented the air and a straw broom were on the scene, frequent visitors would not be overly surprised.
In the back of the press box, a solo office had navy-blue helmets lined like toy action figures around Nesselrodt’s feet. With a bottle of window cleaner, he sprayed the Generals’ batting helmets with precision until a crisp reflection showed.
After Nesselrodt’s (30-13) record in 2007 and another sparkling season this year (31-15), not many would question his tactics.
“I am trying to set an example to these players. If you take care and respect things, you will take that attitude to the field,” Nesselrodt said.
Towels aren’t sent out to the cleaners either.
“I wash the team towels. Why have someone do that for you? You have to take pride in what you do, even the little things.” Nesselrodt explained.
With an old-school style, the skipper wants his players to take heart in every detail of their experience on and off the field.
Ryan Adams did not have any complaints.
“Yeah, he’s always cleaning and dusting. I can understand why he does that. It helps to make me more responsible like taking care of the equipment and the field,” Adams said.
“They call me Mr. Clean,” Nesselrodt laughed. “I’m from the old school. When I played we had to do all of these things. That’s what my coach taught me and that’s what I’m teaching these guys. Everything works together when you respect what you are doing, whether it’s baseball or not.”
But those weren’t the only reasons for the coach to grab a broom and keep his players’ attire looking good.
“I like to do it, it gives me exercise,” Nesselrodt laughed.