Justin Wilson

From BR Bullpen

Justin Wilson

Bats Left, Throws Left
Height 6' 3", Weight 210 lb.

School Fresno State
High School Buchanan High School (Clovis, CA)

Born August 18, 1987 in Anaheim, CA USA

Justin Wilson helped Fresno State to its first College World Series title ever.

Wilson hit .350 in high school as a 1B/P. The Los Angeles Dodgers took him in the 37th round of the 2005 amateur draft and he went on to college instead. In 2006, Justin struck out 34 in 25 innings as a freshman and had a 3.60 ERA and no decisions. He hit .412/.474/.588 in 19 plate appearances. Moved full-time to pitching in 2007, he responded by going 9-5 with a 3.19 ERA and 105 strikeouts in 101 2/3 IP. He led the Western Athletic Conference in ERA and made the All-Conference team. Wilson fell to 8-5, 4.34 in 2008 but he saved his best for last. Called on in the final game of the 2008 College World Series, he held the University of Georgia scoreless for 7 before a Gordon Beckham solo homer and got the win as Fresno State won its first College World Series. Wilson was named to the All-Tournament team.

Prior to the 2008 CWS, the Pittsburgh Pirates picked Wilson in the 5th round of the 2008 amateur draft. After his 2008 CWS gem, Wilson and the Pirates apparently failed to come to terms. Pirates GM Neal Huntington said "He's decided he's worth a lot more than fifth-round money because of his heroics." The club and Wilson worked out their differences as Wilson signed for a $195,000 bonus, typical for a 5th round pick.

Wilson debuted as a pro on April 10, 2009, for the Lynchburg Hillcats. He allowed 3 hits and 3 runs in five innings in a win over the Potomac Nationals.