behind the dugout

Birth Name: Christoper John Wilson
Nick Name:
Teams: Texas Rangers 2005-2007 (#43)
Born: November 18, 1980
Birth Place: Newport Beach, CA
Resides:
Height: 6′2 Weight: 200 lbs.
Position: Relief Pitcher
Throws: Left Bats: Left

College: Loyola Marymount University
Drafted: Rangers, fifth round of 2001 amateur draft
Debut: June 10, 2005

“Quote” - C.J. Wilson

C.J. Wilson has become a fan favorite around baseball because of his quirks. Wilson says he is “Straight Edge” and has XXX stitched on his glove. On his myspace page he has held Guitar Hero competitions and interacts with fans via his MLB Blog.

After attending Fountain Valley High School (graduating 1998), C.J. Wilson played at Santa Ana Junior College where in 2000 he was awarded MVP of the Orange Empire Conference, and the California Junior College Co-Player of the year award. Wilson played outfield, first base, started and relieved at Loyola Marymount University during the 2001 season.

Climbing through the minors

Wilson was drafted by the Rangers in the fifth round (141^st overall) of the 2001 Major League Baseball Draft.After starting the 2001 season in Pulaski of the Appalachian league he was promoted to Class A with Savannah. Moving though High-A Port Charlotte (Florida State League) and into Double-A Tulsa (Texas League) by late 2002. For 2003 Wilson returned to Double-A in Frisco of the Texas League, earning Pitcher of the Week honors in May. Up and down season was cut short due to injury when Dr. Lewis Yocum performed season ending ‘Tommy John’ elbow surgery on August 12.

After missing all of 2004 due to the elbow injury, Wilson was able to return to Double-A in 2005 before being called up to the majors later that season. He posted a 1-7 record and 6.94 ERA in 24 games during his rookie campaign with the Rangers. Later in the season Texas placed him in the bullpen full-time where he went 1-2 with a 2.73 ERA in 18 relief appearances.

Started the 2006 season on the 15 Day-Disabled List with a strained hamstring before returning to the team going 1-2 with a 5.16 ERA with the Rangers before getting optioned to Triple A on June 1. While in the minors, he went 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA with two saves, and in 11 innings, he struck out 17 and walked five in nine appearances. After being recalled July 18, Wilson ended the season strong, posting second half numbers of a 3.29 ERA in 24 2/3 innings and 27 appearances and ending the season as the team’s top lefthanded setup man, posting a 2-4 record and 4.06 ERA overall for Texas. He proved especially tough against lefties, with an ERA of 1.77 with 19 strikeouts in 20⅓ innings.

Becoming the sheriff (2007-Present)

Wilson began the 2007 season pitching in the 7th inning. An injury to Akinori Otsuka and a trade of Eric Gagne saw him work his way into the closers role by seasons end. Wilson pitched a career high 66 games and 68.3 innings picking up two wins and 12 saves.