Saturday, May 8, 2021

Tom Wilson threw well out of high school; Took pro opportunity to two campaigns


After leading his high school to the regional title in 1988, Tom Wilson signed as a pro and expressed excitement to get his career underway, he told his hometown Port Huron Times Herald in December 1988.

The Mets scout who signed him, Larry Keller, looked forward to the Mets giving Wilson the opportunity, The Times Herald wrote.

"He's a big strong kid and throws the ball good," Keller told The Times Herald. "We're going to give him every chance."

Wilson hit the field for the Mets he next year in the rookie Gulf Coast League. His career, though, proved brief. He saw just two campaigns and topped out at short-season Pittsfield.

Wilson's career began in 1989, signed by the Mets as a free agent out of Port Huron High School in Michigan.

Wilson started with the Mets in the rookie Gulf Coast League. He got five starts and went 2-3, with a 1.45 ERA.

His first season, however, got off to a delayed start, due to appendicitis and resulting surgery, The Times Herald wrote.

"This year is going to be different," Wilson told The Times Herald in February 1990 of his health. "I've got my strength back and I feel good. I have no doubts about me being healthy. I just want to give 100 percent, stay consistent and stay healthy."

Wilson then hit the field for Pittsfield that June. The team looked at him as a short reliever. He gave up an RBI single and sacrifice in a July relief outing, then threw 2 1/3 shutout in an outing later that July.

The Times Herald checked back in with him that August.

"It's a learning experience this year," Wilson told The Times Herald. "(The coaches) said I'm not too far off from where I should be. I've had ups and downs, but they're pleased with what I'm doing."

Wilson saw 21 outings, three starts in all at Pittsfield. He went 4-4, with a 3.71 ERA and one save. That season proved his last as a pro.

1990 Minor League Tally 
Players/Coaches Featured:3,644
Made the Majors:1,250-34.3%
Never Made Majors:2,394-65.7%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:521
10+ Seasons in the Minors:307

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