July 15, 2012
Lugnuts’ outfielder, Kenny WIlson is presently batting .237 with 21 extra base hits in 48 games this season
Kenny Wilson was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the second round of the 2008 MLB draft out of Sickles High School in Tampa, Florida. The Lansing Lugnuts star outfielder sat down with JaysProspects to discuss his journey in becoming a member of the Toronto Blue Jays while highlighting some favourite memories and informative tidbits about himself.
Being drafted by a MLB team was something that Wilson had worked hard to accomplish and something he had thrived for since he was young. When asked how he felt when he finally heard his name being called by the Toronto Blue Jays organization, Wilson indicated,“I was really excited for the opportunity to play professional baseball. It has, without a doubt, been an amazing experience thus far.”
Even though Wilson enjoys being part of the Blue Jays organization he admitted that he was raised cheering for both the Seattle Mariners and the Cincinnati Reds. “Growing up I was a huge Ken Griffey Jr. fan and so my favorite team was based on where he was playing.”
But while Griffey had a multitude of talents, it is evident that Wilson does too. And interestingly, they do not only lie in baseball: “I played football when I was 13, but after that I just focused on baseball,” Wilson said.
His versatily in sports is also comparable to the versatility on the baseball diamond as Wilson explained that he has played a multitude of positions throughout his career: “I played a little second and third base and also pitched until I was 15, then I moved to the outfield,” he said.
So far this season in Lansing, Wilson is batting .237 with 72 hits 13 doubles, five triples, three home runs, 31 RBI’s, and 31 stolen bases. Wilson’s five triples is tied with Carlos Perez for the team lead and his 31 stolen bases is second only to Kevin Pillar’s 35 on the Lugnuts. His extra base hits and stolen bases prove how speed is one of Wilson’s strongest talents: “When it comes to my speed, I just try and get on base and then I do whatever I can to make things happen on the base paths,” Wilson said.
So far this season, WIlson is second on the Lugnuts with 33 stolen bases (in 40 opportunities)
Wilson spent the 2011 season with the Dunedin Blue Jays where he appeared in 48 games and batted .201 with eight doubles, two triples, 10 RBIs and 17 stolen bases. Discussing his season, the young prospect indicated, “Being from Tampa, it was great opportunity to play in Dunedin because my family got to see me play, but unfortunately my season was cut short by injury.”
In 2010, Wilson split time between the Lansing Lugnuts and Dunedin Blue Jays batting .205 with 11 doubles, four triples, 26 RBI’s, and 40 stolen bases. JaysProspects asked Wilson about the similarities of this year’s Lugnuts team compared to the 2010 team. “The biggest similarity is the comradery between the players,” Wilson explained
Having found success throughout his professional career as he continues to grow and become even stronger as a player, JaysProspects asked Wilson if he had any goals for the rest of the season. His reply was a great one:
“I don’t make goals because it puts extra pressure on you,” Wilson concluded.