Who is the man: Billy Wilson was entering his third full season as a relief pitcher for the Phillies at the time of this card's release.
Can ya dig it: Wilson is referred to as "Billy" on all his Topps cards, but he was known as both "Billy" and "Bill" in newspaper accounts. Wilson made it no less clearer by signing his name here "William H. Wilson."
Right on: If Wilson looks a little old for this being just his second solo card, it's because he was 28 in 1971. He pitched in the Phillies minor league system beginning in 1962.
You see this cat Wilson is a bad mother: Wilson once played third base in a major league game. On Aug. 6, 1971, Phillies manager Frank Luchessi moved Wilson from the mound to third base so reliever Joe Hoerner could come in to face the Pirates' left-handed slugger Willie Stargell. Hoerner struck out Stargell and Wilson returned to the mound. The Phillies wouldn't have another pitcher play another position in a game until 2010 when Roy Oswalt was placed in left field after Ryan Howard was ejected during a 16-inning loss to the Astros.
Shut your mouth: Wilson underwent three arm operations while he was trying to make the major leagues.
No one understands him but his woman: Wilson pitched his first three seasons in the minors as a starter. He was then converted to a reliever and in 179 games in the majors, never started a game.
(A word about the back): Second straight floating head!
Not a "position" per se, but in 1973 the Phillies used pitcher Ken Brett as a pinch-hitter twice.
ReplyDeleteHe didn't have any pinch hits, but he did bat .250 (20 for 80) for the season, with 4 homers and 16 RBI.
Billy Wilson? There was also the Royals Willie Wilson and also, remember that Mookie Wilson was also a William. Mookie proves that when you have a very common name, it is good to get a fancy sobriquet.
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