2024 Merit Award

NJCAA Merit Award

First awarded in 1990, the Merit Award is given to a former NJCAA student-athlete that has distinguished themselves and are recognized nationally for their achievements in their profession.  The Merit Award has been given to NJCAA alumni in various fields including professional sports, politics, and music.  To view past Merit Award winners, visit: NJCAA Merit Award Recipients

Rob Nelson – Nassau (NY)

Rob Nelson, creator of Big League Chew, attended NJCAA member Nassau Community College for two years where he played for the Lions baseball team. After graduating from Nassau with his associates degree, he transferred to Cornell where he continued his collegiate career. Nelson played professionally for five seasons in the MLB for the Oakland Athletics and San Diego Padres.

In the summer of 1977 while in the bullpen for the Portland Mavericks, Nelson came up with the idea to create a gum that resembled the infamous chewing tobacco that guys in the big-leagues chew. Looking for a healthier and safer option to signify being in the big leagues, Nelson founded Big League Chew as a chewing gum that is an imitation of tobacco, a common habit among MLB players. An idea that was created by Nelson and bat boy, now filmmaker, Todd Field resulted in Nelson releasing Big League Chew in 1980, the only shredded bubble gum in the world.

Now known as the "Hall of Fame Bubble Gum", Big League Chew has sold over a billion pouches worldwide and is known for its cartoon-style packaging and long-lasting flavors.

For all 2024 NJCAA Honors and Annual Award Winners, visit: 2023-24 NJCAA Award Winners

For all NJCAA Honors, please visit: NJCAA Honors Home