Yesterday the world lost an amazing person, family man and humanitarian, Gregg Lawton McNelis. He cared deeply about people and did all he could to help as many people as possible improve their personal situations. Along with his wife Susanne, McNelis sat on the board of the Children’s Dream Foundation as well as had personal involvement in many, many other charitable endeavors.
Growing up outside Newark, McNelis came from very humble beginnings. A fierce competitor who almost lost his arm in a machine related accident during his youth, Gregg led his Colonia high school varsity basketball team to a near New Jersey class 4-A title. Continuing his academic and athletic pursuits at Moravian College, where he was named team captain, he led the Moravian basketball team to a league title in the 1976-1977 season. McNelis and his teammates were honored just two days ago on October 8 at Moravian for the 40th anniversary of their improbable league championship, where his team is enshrined in their athletic Hall of Fame. Always humble and personable on the exterior he used this internal tenacity, relentlessness and tireless work ethic to ultimately elevate himself to the CEO position at TBS International.
Along with Susanne, the McNelis family quietly paved the way for the New York Nine to come into existence for the summer 2006 season. His son Brandon tore his labrum in a training accident. For months he embarked on a lengthy and grueling rehab process under the watchful eye of Scout Team Manager, Ian Millman, which led to a collegiate scholarship opportunity at Northeastern University and ultimately a draft selection by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
After this process, the McNelis family took the opportunity to repeatedly provide the resources needed to allow many lower income and disadvantaged student athletes have the same opportunities as Brandon. Gregg, Susanne McNelis and family have had a direct hand in dozens of young men using the game of baseball to improve themselves and as an admission tool to college and become quality fathers, brothers, co-workers and productive members of society. Gregg and Susanne always insisted it was about the young men and not about recognizing their own philanthropy. Even in leaner times the McNelis family made sure those in need were able to receive assistance. Every single current and former member of the New York Nine extend condolences to the entire McNelis family and are eternally grateful for your encouragement and support.
Gregg is survived by his wife Susanne, children Gregg Jr, Diana and Brandon and grandson Gregg III as well as many immediate and extended family members. The New York Nine will play the 2018 season in honor of their silent co-founder Gregg L. McNelis.
