Wilson made his MLB debut on September 29, 1966, and quickly established himself as a talented pitcher. In his first full season in 1967, he demonstrated his potential by pitching a no-hitter against the Atlanta Braves on June 18. This remarkable achievement made him the youngest pitcher in Astros history to throw a no-hitter at that time. His performance that season earned him a spot in the starting rotation, where he became a reliable arm for the team.
Throughout his career, Wilson was known for his powerful fastball and sharp slider, which helped him accumulate impressive strikeout numbers. In 1968, he struck out 235 batters, ranking him among the league leaders in strikeouts. His ability to dominate hitters was further highlighted on May 1, 1969, when he threw his second career no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds. This feat made him one of the few pitchers in MLB history to have multiple no-hitters to his name.
Wilson's career was marked by several standout seasons. In 1971, he achieved a personal best with 16 wins and maintained an earned run average (ERA) of 2.45, which was among the best in the National League. His performance that year earned him a selection to the National League All-Star team, a testament to his skill and consistency on the mound.
Despite playing for a team that often struggled to provide run support, Wilson remained a dependable starter for the Astros. He consistently logged over 200 innings per season, showcasing his durability and workhorse mentality. His ability to pitch deep into games was a valuable asset for the Astros' pitching staff.
Tragically, Wilson's career and life were cut short when he died on January 5, 1975, at the age of 29. His untimely death was a significant loss for the Astros and the baseball community. In honor of his contributions to the team, the Astros retired his number 40 jersey, ensuring that his legacy would be remembered by future generations of fans and players.
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