Preston Wilson, a dynamic outfielder and power hitter, made his presence felt in Major League Baseball with a career that spanned nearly a decade. Born on July 19, 1974, in Bamberg, South Carolina, Wilson was destined for baseball greatness, being the stepson and nephew of former MLB star Mookie Wilson. His journey to the majors began when he was drafted by the New York Mets in the first round of the 1992 MLB Draft.
Wilson's major league debut came on May 7, 1998, with the Mets. However, his time with the team was short-lived as he was traded to the Florida Marlins in a blockbuster deal that included Mike Piazza. It was with the Marlins that Wilson began to showcase his potential as a power hitter. In his first full season in 1999, he hit 26 home runs and drove in 71 runs, quickly establishing himself as a force in the Marlins' lineup.
The year 2000 was a breakout season for Wilson. He played in all 162 games, hitting 31 home runs and driving in 121 runs, which ranked him among the National League leaders in RBIs. His performance earned him a spot on the National League All-Star team, marking the only All-Star selection of his career. Wilson's ability to hit for power and drive in runs made him a valuable asset for the Marlins during his tenure with the team.
In 2003, Wilson was traded to the Colorado Rockies, where he continued to be a powerful presence at the plate. The high altitude of Coors Field, known for being a hitter-friendly park, seemed to suit Wilson's style. In 2003, he led the National League with 141 RBIs, while also hitting 36 home runs. This performance earned him the National League Silver Slugger Award, recognizing him as one of the best offensive players in the league.
Wilson's time with the Rockies was marked by his consistent power-hitting ability, but injuries began to take a toll on his performance. Despite this, he remained a sought-after player and was traded to the Washington Nationals in 2005. His stint with the Nationals was brief, and he was soon on the move again, this time to the Houston Astros in 2006. With the Astros, Wilson provided veteran leadership and continued to contribute offensively, helping the team in their pursuit of a playoff berth.
In 2007, Wilson signed with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he played his final season in the majors. Although his time with the Cardinals was short, he added depth to their roster and provided occasional power off the bench. After being released by the Cardinals in August 2007, Wilson's major league career came to an end.
Throughout his career, Wilson was known for his power at the plate, amassing a total of 189 home runs and 668 RBIs. His ability to drive in runs and hit for power made him a valuable player for every team he played for. Despite battling injuries in the latter part of his career, Wilson's contributions to the game were appreciated by fans and teammates alike.
Preston Wilson's career in Major League Baseball was marked by his impressive power-hitting ability and his role as a reliable run producer.
⚾