Amateur Career
Bob Napolitano, who was Wilson's coach at Londonderry High, was struck by his extreme focus on the game. Napolitano specifically remembered the first home game of Wilson's senior year, which happened shortly after his father's death. No fewer than 29 professional scouts, all with radar guns, showed up to watch him pitch. According to Napolitano, Wilson was completely oblivious to their appearance; he ate and drank in the dugout, warmed up, and pitched a two-hitter while apparently not noticing that scouts were there. The Cleveland Indians offered him a contract straight out of high school but he did not sign, opting for college instead.
After a coach happened to see him pitch in a tournament in California, Wilson was given a scholarship to Louisiana State University where he played for the LSU Tigers baseball team, eventually becoming their No. 2 starter. In his time at LSU, Wilson pitched in 51 games (22 as a starter) and accumulated 18 wins, 10 losses and 5 saves. He was in the middle of his third season on March 28, 2003 when he injured his elbow and required Tommy John surgery. He also played for the Keene Swamp Bats of the New England Collegiate Baseball League. Wilson's college career ended when he entered the 2003 Major League Baseball Draft, even though he faced extensive rehabilitation.
Read more about this topic: Brian Wilson (baseball)
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