Wilson began his professional career with the Boston Red Sox in 1959. He quickly established himself as a formidable pitcher, known for his powerful fastball and slider. However, his career with the Red Sox was not without controversy. In 1961, he was one of several black players who boycotted a spring training game in Florida due to segregation laws. Despite these challenges, Wilson continued to excel on the field. In June 1962, he pitched a no-hitter against the Los Angeles Angels, becoming the first African-American pitcher in the American League to achieve this feat.
In 1966, Wilson was traded to the Detroit Tigers, where he continued to shine. He played a crucial role in the Tigers' 1968 World Series championship, winning two games in the series. Wilson was known for his durability and consistency, often pitching over 200 innings per season. He also had a knack for hitting home runs, a rarity for pitchers. He hit 35 home runs in his career, a record for an American League pitcher.
In 1970, Wilson was traded to the San Diego Padres, where he ended his career. Despite his age, he continued to perform well, finishing his final season with a respectable 3.15 ERA.
Throughout his career, Wilson was known for his competitive spirit and dedication to the game. He was a three-time All-Star and finished his career with a record of 121-109, a 3.69 ERA, and 1,452 strikeouts. His achievements on the field were matched by his impact off the field, where he was a trailblazer for African-American players in the MLB.
After retiring from baseball, Wilson returned to his hometown in Louisiana, where he served as a city councilman and worked in the recreation department. He passed away in 2005, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most accomplished pitchers of his era.
⚾