About six years ago my dad and I flew down to Scottsdale, AZ for spring training and to see the Giants, the first and only time I've done that. I went downstairs, below the rafters, to grab a beer or something, and sitting there at a table, all by themselves with no line, no security - nothing - were none other than Gaylord Perry and Willie Wilson, signing (paid) autographs. I was so stupefied to see these two heroes just sitting there, gabbing to each other, that I quickly shuffled by them. I mean, what am I going to say - "Hey, nice career Willie, great to see ya"? I'm not very good at that sort of thing. Now I'll probably never see the guy again.
Earlier this year I picked up a handful of Wilson cards, all from the 80s and 90s, probably for a collective total of about four bucks. Nothing rare, nothing especially exciting - just pure, unadulterated Willie Wilson. Did you know he was on the Cubs at the end of his career, in 1993-94? I'd certainly forgotten it if I'd ever known.
The Royals were unstoppable in 1980. Until they played the Phillies. :)
ReplyDeleteI grew up near Kansas City and went to a lot of Royals games in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Willie Wilson was always one of my favorite players. The only inside the park home run I’ve ever seen was one he hit. He lead off the bottom of the first, scored and the final was 1-0.
ReplyDeleteWilson was in St. Louis, 6-7 years ago for a card show. I went over, after he had signed for those who had paid, and asked about the home run. He was very nice and we chatted for 15-20 minutes. I remember hearing and reading that during his playing career he wasn’t very fan friendly. That may be, but extremely gracious and I was thankful I had the opportunity to meet and talk to him.
The Royals were my second favorite during that era, too, sometimes even my favorite--I wore a Royals cap for a while. George Brett was the number one reason, but Wilson--who came from the same part of NJ that I lived in--was another big reason.
ReplyDeleteNothing in baseball is more exiciting than watching Willie hit a triple.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started getting into baseball, I thought it was the coolest thing in the world to see guys steal bases. Willie Wilson was one of the best right around that time.
ReplyDeletePadres are potentially your second favorite team? Lol. Can't imagine your fellow Giants fans are gonna like that ;D
Good to know someone else was impressed with Willie's 705 AB. Loved that as a kid!
ReplyDelete