On August 25th, 2011, the Toronto Blue Jays signed undrafted first baseman, Luke Willson. While many recognize him due to his attachment to football, Willson sat down with JaysProspects to discuss his other passion – baseball.

Willson is presently in his third year with Rice University. As their tight-end last season, he had 33 receptions for 425 yards and three touchdowns.

A native of Lasalle, Ontario, Willson was then asked to discuss the experience being signed by the only Canadian Major League Baseball team, the Toronto Blue Jays. His response was very patriotic: “Being Canadian definitely made signing with the Blue Jays very special. It would be a dream come true to one day be able to play for a professional baseball team in Canada. I am truly a very proud Canadian so it is such an amazing opportunity.”

It appears that Willson is used to juggling multiple sports at one time. At St. Thomas of Villanova high school, Willson maintained a 4.0 grade point average and was a multi-sport star in baseball, football, ice hockey, track & field, and soccer. His athleticism earned him the title, of “Wildcats’ Athlete of the Year” as a sophomore, junior AND senior. When asked how he has been able to excel in his career, Willson stated: “I would give credit to my father for getting me to this point of my career. He has been with me throughout my life with complete support of my athletic career. He also played football and baseball, so he understands both games and can really help me out. When I was younger, he was really the person who taught me a lot about sports. I cannot thank him enough for everything he has done for me. Head coach Greg Hamilton of the Junior National team, really aided in my development as a baseball player. He provided the opportunity and the insight to really propel my baseball skills to the next level. Through his coaching I was really able to improve my baseball skills and especially work some issues that I had with my swing.”

Willson hit clean-up for Hamilton’s Canadian National Junior Team in 2008, batting right after Toronto Blue Jays’ third-baseman, Brett Lawrie. His ability to prove himself both at the plate and in the field enabled Baseball America to rate the power-hitting first baseman as the 11th-best Canadian baseball prospect that year. When asked if he had a favourite moment with Team Canada, Willson replied, “I have so many enjoyable moments that stick out in my head both from Ontario and Canadian Championships and moments with Team Canada, I cannot say I have a favourite one in particular, but there is nothing better than hitting that monster homerun or getting that key hit.”

Hitting a homerun, however, is not unlikely for the young 21-year old. Willson explained that his best skill at the plate is in fact his ability to hit for power. He further admitted, “And if you are wondering what my best skill is off the field – it’s definitely my ability to play FIFA 11 soccer game. I hold the crown for our Rice Football team,” and adds, jokingly, “Just don’t ask my teammates about that though!”

When asked how he thinks his future will turn out with regards to either football or baseball, Willson announced, “To be honest, I don’t really think about it too much, I just know I feel very blessed to be in his situation.”

Everyone at JaysProspects wishes Luke Willson the best of luck in the future – - no matter which sport he chooses – - and thanks him for his time.