Former MLB outfielder and current TV analyst, known for his 14-year playing career and insightful commentary on ESPN and other networks.
Preston James Richard Wilson, born on July 19, 1974, is an American former professional baseball center fielder renowned for his impressive power-hitting and speed on the basepaths. With a career spanning ten seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), Wilson played for several teams, including the New York Mets, Florida Marlins, Colorado Rockies, Washington Nationals, Houston Astros, and St. Louis Cardinals.
Wilson's journey to the top began at Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School, where he was drafted by the Mets in the first round of the 1992 MLB draft at the tender age of 17. The Baseball America 1992 High School Player of the Year, Wilson was touted as one of the top prospects in baseball, earning a spot among the top 100 prospects four times between 1993 and 1998.
In 1998, Wilson finally made his MLB debut with the Mets, but his stint was short-lived as he was traded to the Florida Marlins along with two other minor leaguers for Mike Piazza just two weeks later. Wilson returned to the minor leagues for most of the season, honing his skills and preparing for his eventual breakout.
In 1999, Wilson became the Marlins' regular center fielder, leading the team in home runs and runs batted in (RBIs) as a rookie. He finished second in the National League (NL) Rookie of the Year balloting to Cincinnati Reds reliever Scott Williamson, solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with in the MLB.
The following season, Wilson achieved a notable milestone by joining the elite 30-30 club, slugging 31 home runs and stealing 36 bases. His impressive display of power and speed earned him an eighth-place finish in the NL in RBIs with 121. In 2000, he led the major leagues in power-speed number, a metric that measures a player's combination of home runs and stolen bases, with a remarkable 33.3.
Throughout his career, Wilson was known for his aggressive hitting style, often swinging at the first pitch and racking up high strikeout rates. Despite this, he left an indelible mark on the game, earning recognition as one of the most feared hitters of his era. Wilson's legacy extends beyond his on-field accomplishments, as he serves as a testament to the importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving one's goals.
As Preston Wilson's career serves as a shining example of what it means to chase one's dreams, his impact on the game of baseball will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and fans alike.
49 Years Old
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54 Years Old
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59 Years Old
Legendary pitcher and broadcaster, known for his dominant fastball and 20-year career with the Atlanta Braves, including a Cy Young Award and eight All-Star appearances.
60 Years Old
Left-handed pitcher with 305 wins and 10 All-Star appearances, known for his control and changeup, leading the Atlanta Braves to a World Series title in 1995.
60 Years Old
A legendary baseball player, coach, and manager renowned for his exceptional pitching skills, earning four Cy Young Awards and a place in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
59 Years Old
A former MLB outfielder turned TV analyst, known for his 15-year playing career and current work as a broadcaster for MLB Network and Fox Sports.
55 Years Old
Power-hitting first baseman who played 16 seasons in the MLB, known for his impressive home run totals and clutch hitting.
