Nelly (Cornell Haynes Jr.), University City (St. Louis)
Nelly, shown here at the 2009 Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game in St. Louis, was a standout athlete for University City.
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Though rumors that Nelly was taken in the MLB Draft are false, the St. Louis rapper was still a standout athlete for University City. Known by his given name, Cornell Haynes Jr., he played basketball, baseball and football, and was even recognized in his high school yearbook in his senior year: "Haynes was [quarterback Terrance] Wilkes’ favorite target this season, as the Lions’ leading receiver. He dazzled the crowd with amazing catches."
According to St. Louis Magazine, he also played for the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Association and later went to training camps for the Atlanta Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates. The music video for one of Nelly's biggest hits, "Batter Up" is baseball-themed.
