David's Story
1969 -
Dave Nilsson won a silver medal for Australia in baseball in 2004. Nilsson, from Queensland, remains one of the most successful and influential players in Australia’s baseball history. Nilsson played in two Olympics for Australia, captaining the team to seventh place in Sydney before leading it to the historic silver medal in Athens. He enjoyed a celebrated professional career in the US Major Leagues, the highlight coming in 1999 when he became the first Australian to be named an All-Star. At Sydney 2000 Nilsson led all players in hitting percentage and slugging percentage, and finished in the top five for runs scored and stolen bases. He was again pivotal to Australia’s success in Athens, with his work and leadership as catcher and his offensive abilities once more to the fore. Australia was beaten by Cuba 6-2 in the gold medal final. The silver remains Australia’s only Olympic baseball medal. Nilsson has also been a great supporter of baseball in Australia, investing in the sport and serving as an administrator and role model for young players.
