Ralph Nelles

Ralph Nelles

• Born December 1918
• Died June 28, 2009 in Billings, MT USA

Biographical Information

Ralph Nelles was the president of the Pioneer League from 1974 to 1993 and is widely credited with saving the league during its darkest days. The league's MVP Award has been named in his honor since 1994. In his efforts to promote the Pioneer League, he could often be seen in fringed buckskin jackets and coonskin caps during baseball winter meetings.

Nelles was a self-made millionaire who ran a beer and wine distributorship. Besides his trucking and baseball careers, Nelles was well-known in Montana as a philanthropist who gave millions to schools and scholarships.