Willie Wilson
Perhaps the fastest man to ever play in the major leagues, Willie Wilson was more than just a runner. The converted switch-hitter won the 1982 American League batting title, and sparked the top of the lineup for the Royals for much of his 15 seasons with the club. He won a Gold Glove in left field, and paced the league in singles four times. There was nothing more exciting than watching Wilson glide around the bases for one of his many triples: he led the AL in that category five times.
Quotes From Wilson
"At first, I took it in a negative way. I thought they were saying 'You couldn't hit right-handed at all.' Now I know what they were saying was 'This is going to be better for you.' " — Wilson on the Royals asking him to switch-hit in the minors
"It really doesn't bother me if I don't get the publicity. But I have the stats, and when I show people my stats, I don't want to be overshadowed by George Brett or Darrell Porter, or anybody." — in 1980
"I don't really like to run, and that's why I didn't go out for track in high school. I ain't no fool, I see those dudes running around a track for a living. I wouldn't want to run against them. I wouldn't want to embarrass myself."
Played For
Kansas City Royals (1976-1990)
Oakland Athletics (1991-1992)
Chicago Cubs (1993-1994)
Minor League Experience
In 1978, the Royals convinced Wilson to try switch-hitting. It's not an exaggeration to say that the move saved his career. Prior to '78, Wilson had one great skill - his speed. But if he couldn't get on, he couldn't steal bases. As a switch-hitter, Wilson's natural athletic ability enabled him to become a batter hitter, and to use his legs to beat out hits from the left-hand batters' box.
All-Time Rankings
Willie Wilson ranks #49 among the Top 50 all-time at CF. Rankings ⇒
Best Season: 1982
Wilson batted .357 from the left-side and .292 from the right-side (which was his natural side)... He hit three inside-the-park homers in '82, and never went more than two games without at least one hit... He led off 48 games with either a walk or hit, and the Royals won 32 of those games... In 1980, Wilson had a fine year also, batting .326 with 230 hits, 133 runs scored, 28 doubles, 15 triples, and 79 stolen bases.
Factoids
In 1980, Willie Wilson set a majorleague record for at-bats, with 705.
Description
Willie Wilson played the game of baseball angry. It was often him against the rest of the world. An ultra-competitive man, Wilson channeled his negative energy into a positive performance. "All my life I've been in the middle of fights," he said."
In contrast to some of his Royals teammates, Wilson rarely, if ever, flashed a smile on the diamond. He was intense and unrepentent. He was known to holler at teammates, opponents, fans, and reporters. In later years, after his drug conviction, he mellowed, a little. He became a veteran presence in the clubhouse, helping younger players to acclimate themselves to the big leagues.
Born
Willie James Wilson was born on July 9, 1955, in Montgomery, AL.
Batted: Both
Threw: Right
Primary Position: OF
Primary Team: KCA
Major League Debut
September 4, 1976
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1976
Andre Dawson
Dale Murphy
Willie Wilson
Garry Templeton
Dennis Martinez
Bruce Sutter
Rick Sutcliffe
Joaquin Andujar
Mark Fidrych
Similar Players
George Burns
Related Players
Whitey Herzog was skepticalof Wilson's future as a major leaguer.
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 2000 |
BBWAA |
10 |
2.0% |
|
Post-Season Appearances
1978 American League Championship Series
1980 American League Championship Series
1980 World Series
1981 American League Division Playoffs
1984 American League Championship Series
1985 American League Championship Series
1985 World Series
1992 American League Championship Series
Post-Season Notes
Infamously, Wilson struggled in the 1980 World Series against Phillies' pitching. He went 4-for-26 (.154) with 12 strikeouts in the six games... He hit well in the Royals 1985 post-season, lining out 20 hits in 14 games (.339) with a triple, homer, and five RBI.
Awards and Honors
1980 AL Gold Glove
Batting Feats
- June 15, 1979: Switch HR same game...
Injuries and Explanation for Missed Playing Time
A pulled hamstring kept him out for most of the first month of the 1982 season... On August 5, 1982, Wilson was beaned in the head by Dan Petry of the Tigers, and missed one game.
All-Star Selections
1982 AL
1983 AL
Replaced
When Al Cowens was hit in the face by a pitch in 1979, Wilson took his spot in right field. He played well enough, that when Cowens returned, Willie moved to left field.
Replaced By
By 1989, in Kansas City, Wilson as sharing time in center field with younger players like Jim Eisenreich. In 1990, he was splitting time with Bo Jackson, who replaced him as KC's center fielder the following season.
Best Strength as a Player
Speed
Largest Weakness as a Player
The obvious answer is power, but Wilson was also impatient at the plate, and he had even worse pop from the right side than the left. He also had a below-average throwing arm.
Learn More about Willie Wilson
Search Amazon.com for Books about Willie Wilson ⇒
Search for Willie Wilson at Google ⇒
View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒
