User:Marcusnettles/Marcus Nettles wikibini page

Marcus Antwan Nettles (born May 15, 1980 in Chicago, IL) is a free agent Professional Minor League Baseball Player and a current Entrepreneur who resides in Miami, FL. Early life Nettles was raised in a structured upper middle class household on the South Side of Chicago with his older sister, Jill Nettles. His Mother is a retired educator for the Chicago Public School system and his Father is a retired law enforcement government employee. Nettles played baseball throughout his childhood with the South Side Little League and Jackie Robinson West organizations. When Nettles was 13, he was selected to represent the United States in the Junior Pan American games held in Mazatlan, Mexico. He chose to leave the World Series bound Jackie Robinson West Junior League team to represent his country. This caused much controversy and Nettles opted to play travel ball in Orland Park, a nearby south suburb, for the span of his teenage career.

Nettles continued his career at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School where he excelled in the classroom and on the baseball field. He was known for his athleticism and game changing speed. His sophomore year, he fell victim to a bizarre injury, and broke his left throwing arm. Although his arm strength was never the same, Nettles overcame his obstacle and went on to compete as a designated hitter his sophomore and junior year. In 1995, Nettles was chosen again to represent the United States in the Junior Pan American games, along with other junior stars by the name of Drew Henson and Felipe Lopez. Team USA won the gold and Nettles was named MVP Outfielder of the tournament. Nettles captured All State honors and was recognized by Baseball America as one of the top 50 players in the country by his senior year. Additionally, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 33rd round, but opted to compete at the prestigious University of Miami where he earned a baseball scholarship. College & Minor League Career Under the realm of Head Coach, Nettles won two College World Series National titles (1999 & 2001). In his freshman year, he started in 24 of 44 games and led all freshman with 20 stolen bases (second on the team), and was sixth on the team with a .349 batting average. At the 1999 College World Series, he started all four games and recorded a hit, walk, and game winning run in the championship game against Florida State. Nettles had a college career .317 batting average and accumulated a total of 89 stolen bases in just three years. In 2001, his junior year, he was drafted in the 11th round and signed with the San Diego Padres. He was one of the top 30 prospects in the organization and was slated the fastest man in San Diego's organization after running the 60 yard dash in 6.24 seconds. Nettles was on the "fast track" to reaching the major leagues, but after hitting .300 his first year, he struggled the next two years with his arm strength, and inconsistent batting ability. He reached as high as the double-A level with the Padres and participated in Big League Spring Training. Nettles began to live up to his ability in 2004, but San Diego had already grown impatient and opted not to put him on the 40-man roster. Later that year, he was a Minor League Rule 5 draft pick by the Washington Nationals[. In 2005, he was released by the Nationals and continued his career playing professional baseball in the Independent Leagues, and in Mexico (Triple-A) and Canada. Nettles has over 350 career stolen bases and has led his respective league in stolen bases 5 out of his 9 year career. He also has a career .268 batting average. Nettles returned to the University of Miami and earned his Bachelor's of Business Administration degree in 2007. Professional Accomplishments In 2005, Nettles founded Hidden Gem Discoveries, Ltd Brokerage and currently sits on the Board for the Chicago Baseball Museum. Nettles is also an active member of the Chicago University of Miami Alumni Association.