Interview: Birmingham Barons General Manager Jonathan Nelson

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This Saturday, the Birmingham Barons kick off a five-game series against the Tennessee Smokies. The 2013 Southern League Champions are already off to a strong start for their second season at Regions Field. More than 35,000 fans attended the Barons season-opening homestand earlier this month. For more on what to expect this baseball season, WBHM’s Rachel Osier Lindley caught up with Birmingham Barons general manager Jonathan Nelson. This is Nelson’s 21st season working in professional baseball, and his 10th season as the Barons General Manager. In this conversation, Nelson talks about the pressures of following the 2012-2013 season, the impact of the new Regions Field downtown and his favorite Barons mascot.

 

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