Brian Wilson (baseball)

Early life

Brian Patrick Wilson was born on March 16, 1982, in Winchester, Massachusetts. While he was in second grade, he moved to Londonderry, New Hampshire. Today, he talks little of his childhood except to discuss his father, Mike Wilson, who was an Air Force veteran and a demanding perfectionist. During fall, he would have Brian bag leaves and bury them in the woods; and in winter, he would have Brian spend seven hours shoveling snow on weekends. Brian said in a 2011 interview, "I think that's how you need to be raised. It's not your friend, it's your dad. And he's going to be strict. And one day you're going to understand why. And sometimes, it's a little too late. They might pass away, and you might not get that chance to say thanks or understand why you did those things. But when you become a man, you understand why."

When Wilson was 12 years old, his father was diagnosed with cancer. His father fought the disease for five years before dying while Wilson was attending Londonderry High School; Wilson today says he had to become a man when his father was diagnosed. In a 2011 story, ESPN.com writer Elizabeth Merrill said about Wilson's high school years, "He was an honor roll student at Londonderry, but clashed with various authority figures who didn't appreciate his occasional lack of a filter." In the same story, a number of Londonderry faculty speculated that some teachers didn't understand Wilson's life situation at the time. Art Psaledas, an assistant principal at the school, added, "It happened at probably the worst time anybody could lose your dad. Watching his dad deteriorate over the years was probably the singular thing that formed his personality."

Bob Napolitano, Wilson's coach at Londonderry High School, noticed Wilson's ability to concentrate on baseball. 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 see 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.

College career

After a coach saw Wilson pitch well at a tournament in California, he was offered a scholarship to Louisiana State University (LSU), 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 starts) and accumulated 18 wins, 10 losses, and five saves. In 2002, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Hyannis Mets of the Cape Cod Baseball League. He was in the middle of his third season on March 28, 2003, when he injured his elbow and underwent Tommy John surgery. He also played for the Keene Swamp Bats of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, a summer league for collegiate prospects. Despite facing extensive rehabilitation, Wilson chose to enter the 2003 Major League Baseball draft.

Professional career

Draft and minor leagues

Coming off his surgery, Wilson was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 24th round in 2003. He began his career with the Hagerstown Suns of the Class-A South Atlantic League in 2004. In 23 games, he had a 2–5 record, a 5.34 earned run average (ERA), 41 strikeouts, and 22 walks in innings pitched. He made three starts that year, the only time he ever started games professionally. The Giants switched single-A affiliates the next year and Wilson began pitching for the Augusta GreenJackets. In 26 games, he had a 5–1 record, a 0.82 ERA, 30 strikeouts, and seven walks in 33 innings pitched while notching 13 saves, good for second in the league behind Brett Campbell's 19. His performance with Augusta caused Mark Camps of the San Francisco Chronicle to mention him in his "Minor Report" on May 15. He also pitched for the Norwich Navigators of the double-A Eastern League (posting no record, eight saves, a 0.57 ERA, 22 strikeouts, five walks, and innings pitched in 15 games) and the Fresno Grizzlies of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League (posting a 1–1 record, no saves, a 3.97 ERA, 13 strikeouts, eight walks, and innings pitched in nine games).

San Francisco Giants (2006–2012)

2006 season

Wilson began 2006 with the Grizzlies before getting called up to the majors on April 23 to replace Tyler Walker, who was designated for assignment after struggling to begin the season. He made his major league debut that day in relief, pitching two innings, surrendering two hits and no runs while striking out three. He later revealed that he hurt himself during his first inning but continued pitching through the second without informing anyone of his injury. Afterward he was placed on the disabled list for a month. On May 23, he returned from the DL. He was optioned to Fresno on June 7 when Tim Worrell was activated from the DL; Giants' manager Felipe Alou said Wilson was not getting enough playing time. Wilson would go on to have three more stints with the Giants in 2006. On July 2, he got his first career save, stranding three inherited runners in the eighth inning and throwing scoreless innings in a 6–2 victory over the San Diego Padres. In 31 games, he had a 2–3 record, a 5.40 ERA, 23 strikeouts, and 21 walks in 30 innings pitched. In 24 games with Fresno, he had a 1–3 record, a 2.89 ERA, 30 strikeouts, and 14 walks in 28 innings pitched.

2007 season

Wilson competed for the closer role with Armando Benítez in 2007 spring training. After he struggled and posted a 7.71 ERA, the Giants optioned him to the minors to start the season. After building a 1–2 record, 2.10 ERA, 37 strikeouts, 24 walks, 11 saves, and innings pitched in 31 games with Fresno, Wilson was called up on August 11 when Jonathan Sánchez was demoted. He was initially used as the setup man for closer Brad Hennessey, but he took over as closer on September 11 when Hennessey lost the role due to ineffectiveness. He went on to pitch in 24 games, recording a 1–2 record, a 2.28 ERA, 18 strikeouts, six walks, innings pitched, and six saves.

2008 season

Wilson remained the Giants' closer in 2008 and kept the role all season. He recorded 24 consecutive saves from May 3 through August 17, the longest streak by a Giant since Robb Nen had 28 straight in 2000. Wilson was named to the All-Star Game after leading the NL in saves with 25 in the first half of the season. He gave up no hits and struck out one in innings in a 4–3 loss to the American League. He continued to lead the league in saves until José Valverde passed him at the end of August. Despite posting a 4.04 ERA through September 6, Wilson converted 37 of 40 save opportunities. In his final seven games of the year, however, he posted a 9.56 ERA while converting just four out of seven opportunities. In 63 games, he had a 3–2 record, a 4.62 ERA, 67 strikeouts, and 28 walks in innings pitched.

2009 season

On June 5, 2009, Wilson saved Randy Johnson's 300th win. Johnson, searching for his 300th win, gave up one unearned run in six innings in Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Washington Nationals; the Giants had a 2–1 lead in the eighth inning. With runners on first and second for the Nationals and two outs, Wilson was called on to get the save. He walked Ryan Zimmerman to load the bases and bring up Adam Dunn. He then loaded the count against Dunn before throwing a called strike three to end the inning. Wilson then pitched a scoreless ninth, preserving the victory for Johnson. On September 24, with two outs and two strikes in the ninth inning and the Giants leading the Chicago Cubs by a 2–1 score, Wilson gave up a two-run home run to Jeff Baker. The loss hurt the Giants' chances of reaching the playoffs. In 68 games, Wilson had a 5–6 record, a 2.74 ERA, 83 strikeouts, and 27 walks in innings pitched. He led the league in saves requiring four outs or more, with eight.

2010 season

In 2010 spring training, Wilson was asked whether or not he thought himself one of baseball's elite closers. In what would turn out to be a very prophetic quote, he replied:

On March 25, Wilson agreed to two-year, $15 million contract extension with the Giants. He struck out five batters in innings on May 9 while recording a save in a 6–5 victory over the New York Mets. On May 15, against the Houston Astros with the bases loaded, two outs, and the Giants leading 2–1 in the ninth inning, Wilson struck out Kazuo Matsui in a 15-pitch at bat to end the game. The next day, against Houston with runners on first and second, two outs, and the Giants leading 4–3 in the ninth, Wilson retired Matsui to end the game. On June 12, Wilson entered in the eighth inning with one out, the bases loaded, and the Giants leading the Oakland Athletics 5–4. Wilson struck out Adam Rosales and retired Rajai Davis to end the inning; he then pitched a scoreless ninth to earn the save. He recorded 22 saves in his first 24 chances and was named to the All-Star Game in which he threw a scoreless eighth inning in the contest, a 3–1 victory over the AL. On October 3 (the final day of the regular season), the Giants faced the Padres, whom they led by one game in the NL West. Wilson threw a scoreless inning to earn the save and clinch the division for the Giants. Wilson converted his 48th save that day, tying the Giants' single season save record of 48 held by Rod Beck. He finished the season with a 3–3 record, a 1.81 ERA, 93 strikeouts, 26 walks, and inning pitched in 70 games. He converted 48 of 53 save opportunities and led the majors in saves as well as leading the major leagues in saves of four outs or more (10). He finished 13th in NL Most Valuable Player (MVP) voting.

2010 postseason

Wilson made his playoff debut in Game 2 of the NL Division Series against the Atlanta Braves; he blew a save, but that was partly because of an error by Pablo Sandoval. He earned saves in Games 3 and 4 as the Giants defeated the Braves in four games. In the NL Championship Series, the Giants faced the Philadelphia Phillies. In Game 4, Wilson threw a scoreless inning and earned the win in the 6–5 victory. In Game 6, Wilson entered with one out in the eighth inning, runners on first and second, and the Giants leading 3–2. He got Carlos Ruiz to line into a double play. He then pitched the ninth inning, striking out Ryan Howard with two runners on base, clinching the series for the Giants. He joined Dennis Eckersley, Mitch Williams, and John Wetteland as the only pitchers since 1969 to win or save four games in a postseason series. (In 2014 Greg Holland of Kansas City matched this feat.)

The Giants faced the Texas Rangers in the World Series. Wilson appeared in three games, allowing no runs. He recorded the save in the series-clinching Game 5 as the Giants won their first World Series since 1954.

2011 season

Wilson strained an oblique muscle in 2011 spring training and opened the season on the DL. He was activated from the DL on April 6. After posting a 3.75 ERA in his first two games, Wilson posted a 1.26 ERA in his next 35 outings. During a game against the Detroit Tigers on July 1, Wilson blew a save for a second straight game and was taken out of the game by Bruce Bochy. Upon entering the dugout, Wilson took out his frustrations by throwing a Gatorade cooler and smashing it with a bat. The Giants still won the game 4–3 as Jeremy Affeldt got the save. Wilson was elected to his third All-Star Game; he earned the save in a 5–1 victory over the AL.

Wilson was placed on the DL on August 21 due to inflammation in his right elbow. At the time of his injury, he was third in the NL in saves, behind Craig Kimbrel and John Axford. On September 18, the Giants reactivated him from the DL. After two games back, Bochy decided to shut down Wilson for the final two games of the season. In 57 games, he had a 6–4 record, a 3.11 ERA, 54 strikeouts, and 31 walks in 55 innings pitched.

2012 season

Wilson's 2012 season would be short-lived. With the Giants leading the Colorado Rockies 4–1 entering the bottom of the ninth inning on April 12, he made his second appearance of the season to get the save for the Giants. He walked in a run to make it 4–2, but retired Marco Scutaro with the bases loaded to earn the save. He injured his elbow during the game and underwent Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career on April 19, causing him to miss the remainder of the season. During his injury shortened season, Wilson made only 2 appearances with an ERA of 9.00 and 1 save. The Giants went on to win their second World Series in three years. Wilson expressed confidence in an interview on April 15 that he would return to the Giants in 2013. However, because he was coming off an injury and would be owed at least $6.8 million for 2013, he was non-tendered after the season, which made him a free agent for the first time in his career. At the end of the 2012 season, he ranked third all-time in saves as a Giant with 171, behind only Robb Nen (206) and Rod Beck (199).

After his playing career ended, Wilson was inducted into the Giants Wall of Fame in 2018.

Los Angeles Dodgers (2013–2014)

Wilson chose not to sign with any team before the 2013 season because he wanted to be fully recovered from surgery when he attempted his comeback. On July 25, he threw a bullpen session for several teams' scouts, hoping to sign with a contender.

On July 30, 2013, Wilson agreed to a contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the remainder of the 2013 season. After a few weeks at the Dodgers training facility in Arizona, he began a minor league rehab assignment.

Wilson joined the Dodgers' active roster on August 19 and made his debut with the team on August 22 against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. He appeared in 18 games for the Dodgers with a 2-1 record and a 0.66 ERA. Regardless of signing for the team late in the season, Wilson made three relief appearances in the postseason without giving up an earned run until the Dodgers lost in the 2013 NLCS to the St. Louis Cardinals.

On December 5, 2013, Wilson agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract to return to the Dodgers. The deal also contained a player option for the 2015 season. His numbers were not as good in 2014, as he had a 4.66 ERA in 61 appearances. On October 8, Wilson announced that he would be exercising his $10 million player option for 2015. However, the Dodgers designated him for assignment on December 16 and released him on December 19, making him a free agent.

Wilson did not pitch in the major leagues in 2015 or 2016 but announced in early 2017 that he would be attempting a comeback as a knuckleball pitcher. However, he did not sign with another team.

Scouting report

Wilson was a power pitcher. He had a repertoire of four pitches. He threw a straight four-seam fastball around 92-95 mph; this was one of his main pitches. He also had a slider, a cut fastball, and a two-seam fastball. His slider traveled around 89 mph. His cut fastball allowed him to use fewer four-seam fastballs. In 2011, he started throwing the two-seam fastball as well. The two-seamer started away on a right-handed hitter (or in to a left-handed hitter) and had dramatic inward (or outward) movement over the plate. He also experimented with curveballs, screwballs, and knuckleballs.

Wilson has said that when pitching, players cannot be worried about the potential outcome.

Personal life

Wilson is noted for his flamboyant personality.

In the 2010 All-Star Game, Wilson debuted a pair of bright orange cleats and continued to wear them throughout the season. On July 27, Marlins' manager Edwin Rodríguez complained that the shoes were too bright. Wilson received a $1,000 fine from MLB the next day, and he responded by coloring half of the shoes black with a marker. He said afterwards, "The fact that he (Rodríguez) thinks these shoes throw 97–100 with cut might be a little far-fetched. I guess we should probably have these checked for performance-enhancing cleats." He also stated that he was punished "for having too much awesome on my feet."

In addition to his mohawk hairstyle, Wilson has a large black beard, which he began growing and presumably dyeing during the Giants' playoff run in 2010. He never admitted to dyeing it, saying in 2010, "It's dark because we play a lot of day games. It's tanned. It's focused." He decided he would not shave until the Giants' season was over, and only if they failed to win the World Series. During the Giants' playoff run in 2010, Giants' fans began growing their own beards or wearing fake beards. Many fans chanted "Fear the Beard", and held up signs bearing the same motto. Teammate Sergio Romo also began growing a beard in 2010; he has had it intermittently ever since.

Wilson has a number of tattoos. On his left shoulder, he has a dragon to honor his father, which represents the "protection from fear" that Wilson's dad gave him. Across his chest, he has the words "In nomine patris" ("In the name of the father"), and on his right wrist he has a Celtic cross with lettering that says "All Honor To Him" in Gaelic; both of these tattoos symbolize his Christian faith. Finally, he has Japanese Kanji characters on his arm, which symbolize his faith; they say, "Father. Son. Eternal Strength."

Wilson has enjoyed a great deal of media attention during his career. He once had a locally produced, self-filmed reality show called Life of Brian. He has often been on Cheap Seats. Following the World Series in 2010, a photo of Wilson celebrating with teammate Buster Posey appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Wilson also appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Lopez Tonight. He has frequently starred in commercials.

Wilson became a Christian at the age of 23. He has adopted a gesture of crossing his arms, with his left hand in his glove and his right hand underneath pointing with the index finger while looking at the sky, which both honors The Holy Trinity as well as his late father who died of cancer when Wilson was 17. He performs it when he records a save or closes out a game.

On May 30, 2011 (Memorial Day), Wilson announced that in memory of his father, an Air Force veteran, he would endow two scholarships for LSU Air Force ROTC cadets. The scholarship will be a need based scholarship available to any college junior or senior. Later that year, on July 7, Wilson gave away 1,000 baseball gloves to members of the Giants Community Fund's Junior Giants baseball program.

Frequently, Wilson has made references to "The Machine", a character from the movie 8mm. In an episode of Cheap Seats, he had someone dressed as "The Machine" walk past in the background in full BDSM leather fetish apparel, supposedly unknown to him (but almost certainly teammate Pat Burrell). Another time, in an interview with Jim Rome, Wilson appeared to receive a call from "The Machine" and pulled a leather mask (allegedly "The Machine's") out of his pocket to show to Rome.

Wilson portrayed Peterson, a pitcher in the 2019 film Bottom of the 9th.

References

References

1. Cockcroft, Tristan H.. (March 22, 2012). "30 Questions: San Francisco Giants". ESPN.
2. (August 31, 2010). "MLB: The Cuban Missile and the 10 Best Nicknames in Baseball".
3. Guttenplan, Dan. (October 20, 2011). "For Giants' Wilson, Fear Strikes Back". New England Baseball Journal.
4. Merrill, Elizabeth. (April 8, 2011). "The beginnings of Brian Wilson". [[ESPN]].
5. "Brian Wilson". Retrosheet.
6. Schulman, Henry. (March 18, 2007). "Power couple together again in S.F. bullpen". [[San Francisco Chronicle]].
7. "Major League Baseball Players From the Cape Cod League". capecodbaseball.org.
8. (2019-08-13). "Brian Wilson".
9. "Former Bats in the MLB". Keene Swamp Bats.
10. Rogers, Kendall. (20 July 2007). "Kendall's Mailbag: Ducks in a row". Rivals.com College Baseball.
11. "Brian Wilson Minor League Statistics & History". [[Baseball-Reference.com]] (Minors).
12. "2005 South Atlantic League Pitching Leaders". [[Baseball-Reference.com]] (Minors).
13. Camps, Mark. (May 15, 2005). "Red Sox's walk-off homers put them in rare company". [[San Francisco Chronicle]].
14. Schulman, Henry. (April 24, 2006). "Walker gets his walking papers". [[San Francisco Chronicle]].
15. "Brian Wilson 2006 Pitching Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference.
16. Schulman, Henry. (April 24, 2006). "Ejections, loss put S.F. in a red state". San Francisco Chronicle.
17. Schulman, Henry. (June 18, 2010). "Wilson throws in a lot of fortitude". [[San Francisco Chronicle]].
18. Quinn, Ryan. (May 24, 2006). "Notes: Bullpen gets even younger".
19. Draper, Rich. (June 7, 2006). "Notes: Schmidt reflects on 16-K gem". SFGiants.com: News.
20. Draper, Rich. (September 18, 2006). "Notes: Wilson has bright future".
21. Draper, Rich. (July 2, 2006). "Morris does it all in Giants' victory". SFGiants.com: News.
22. Schulman, Henry. (January 31, 2008). "Clubhouse chief set to take Bonds' big locker?". [[San Francisco Chronicle]].
23. Regan, Becky. (August 11, 2007). "Notes: Wilson finds his way back". SFGiants.com: News.
24. "Brian Wilson 2007 Pitching Gamelogs". [[Baseball-Reference.com]].
25. Regan, Becky. (September 11, 2007). "Notes: Closer auditions open". SFGiants.com: News.
26. "Tyler Walker 2007 Pitching Gamelogs". [[Baseball-Reference.com]].
27. "Brian Wilson Stats, Video Highlights, Phots, Bio". [[MLB.com]].
28. Lepper, Geoff. (2008-08-21). "Giants survive scare to beat Marlins". SFGiants.com: News.
29. "Brad Hennessey Stats, Video Highlights, Photos, Bio". [[MLB.com]].
30. Urban, Mychael. (July 14, 2008). "Giants' All-Stars soak up experience". SFGiants.com: News.
31. Newman, Samantha. (July 16, 2008). "Wilson proud after All-Star outing". SFGiants.com: News.
32. "Brian Wilson 2008 Pitching Gamelogs". [[Baseball-Reference.com]].
33. "Jose Valverde 2008 Pitching Gamelogs". [[Baseball-Reference.com]].
34. "2008 National League Pitching Leaders". [[Baseball-Reference.com]].
35. Ladson, Bill. (June 5, 2009). "Strike three looms large in Unit's win". SFGiants.com: News.
36. Haft, Chris. (September 25, 2009). "Wilson, Giants stunned by Cubs in ninth". SFGiants.com: News.
37. (October 6, 2009). "Giants year in review". [[San Francisco Chronicle]].
38. Haft, Chris. (January 10, 2013). "Beck, Nen or Wilson? You make the call". SFGiants.com: News.
39. (March 26, 2010). "Brian Wilson gets two-year, $15 million extension". [[San Jose Mercury News]].
40. Haft, Chris. (May 9, 2010). "Rowand, Wilson help Giants down Mets". SFGiants.com: News.
41. Eymer, Rick. (May 15, 2010). "Lincecum shuts down Astros, bests Oswalt". SFGiants.com: News.
42. Eymer, Rick. (May 16, 2010). "Torres, Rowand lead Giants to sweep". SFGiants.com: News.
43. Kruth, Cash. (June 13, 2010). "Wilson secures win against A's for Zito". SFGiants.com: News.
44. Schulman, Henry. (July 5, 2010). "2 Giants pitchers' All-Star reactions differ". [[San Francisco Chronicle]].
45. Haft, Chris. (July 14, 2010). "Giants all smiles after NL All-Star victory". SFGiants.com: News.
46. Haft, Chris. (October 3, 2010). "One and done: Giants win West on final day". SFGiants.com: News.
47. Haft, Chris. (November 22, 2010). "Giants land three in MVP voting".
48. Haft, Chris and John Schlegel. (October 9, 2010). "Bochy not worried about Wilson". SFGiants.com: News.
49. Haft, Chris. (October 12, 2010). "In clincher, Giants' bullpen shows dominant self". SFGiants.com: News.
50. Haft, Chris. (October 21, 2010). "Giants wave a magic Juan, walk off for 3–1 lead". SFGiants.com: News.
51. Haft, Chris. (October 24, 2010). "For starters, Giants get clutch relief in clinch". SFGiants.com: News.
52. "Brian Wilson Postseason Pitching Gamelogs". [[Baseball-Reference.com]].
53. Haft, Chris. (November 2, 2010). "Giants win the Series! Giants win the Series!". SFGiants.com: News.
54. (July 25, 2011). "Remarks by the President in Welcoming the 2010 World Series Champion San Francisco Giants".
55. Lee, Jane. (March 29, 2011). "Case closed: Wilson will open season on DL". SFGiants.com: News.
56. Haft, Chris. (April 7, 2011). "Off DL, Wilson sees immediate game action". SFGiants.com: News.
57. "Brian Wilson 2011 Pitching Gamelogs". [[Baseball-Reference.com]].
58. (July 1, 2011). "Oddball closer loses it in dugout tantrum".
59. Brock, Corey. (July 13, 2011). "Panda, Wilson play big roles in All-Star win". SFGiants.com: News.
60. Haft, Chris. (August 21, 2011). "Closer Wilson to rest elbow on disabled list". SFGiants.com: News.
61. "Craig Kimbrel 2011 Pitching Gamelogs". [[Baseball-Reference.com]].
62. "John Axford 2011 Pitching Gamelogs". [[Baseball-Reference.com]].
63. Etkin, Jack. (September 18, 2011). "Wilson returns, will resume closing Tuesday". SFGiants.com: News.
64. Haft, Chris and Adam Berry. (September 27, 2011). "Wilson shut down for final two games". SFGiants.com: News.
65. Perkins, Owen. (April 12, 2012). "Wilson notches adventurous first save". SFGiants.com: News.
66. Haft, Chris. (April 18, 2012). "Wilson set for [Tommy John surgery] Thursday". SFGiants.com: News.
67. Haft, Chris. (November 5, 2012). "Giants don't plan on relaxing, eye repeat in 2013". SFGiants.com: News.
68. Baggarly, Andrew. (April 15, 2012). "Brian Wilson Confirms His Season Is Over".
69. Haft, Chris. (December 1, 2012). "Wilson non-tendered by Giants, enters free agency". SFGiants.com: News.
70. Haft, Chris. (July 29, 2018). "Giants Wall of Fame adds 3 with more to come".
71. Miller, Scott. (March 6, 2013). "Free agent Wilson not expected to sign until after season starts". CBS Sports.
72. Calcaterra, Craig. (2013-07-26). "Brian Wilson throws for scouts: "He looked good"". NBC Sports.
73. "Former Giants closer Brian Wilson reaches deal with the Dodgers".
74. Perry, Dayn. (August 5, 2013). "Dodgers' Brian Wilson to begin rehab assignment on Wednesday". CBS Sports.
75. Gurnick, Ken. (August 19, 2013). "Beard is back: Wilson joins Dodgers' bullpen".
76. Gurnick, Ken. (August 22, 2013). "Wilson makes Dodgers debut, closes out win".
77. Hernandez, Dylan. (December 5, 2013). "Dodgers reach agreement with Brian Wilson on 1-year, $10-million deal". Los Angeles Times.
78. Gitlin, Marty. (October 8, 2014). "Dodgers short man Brian Wilson to stick around in 2015". CBS Sports.
79. Short, D.J.. (2014-11-03). "Brian Wilson exercises $10 million player option for 2015". NBC Sports.
80. (December 16, 2014). "Brian Wilson is designated for assignment by Dodgers". Los Angeles Times.
81. (December 19, 2014). "Dodgers release veteran reliever Wilson". MLB.com.
82. Brown, Tim. (February 8, 2017). "Brian Wilson eyeing MLB return as a knuckleball pitcher".
83. "Brian Wilson". [[Fangraphs]].
84. McCalvy, Adam. (March 22, 2012). "The cutter: Hottest pitch becoming widespread". [[MLB.com]].
85. Schulman, Henry. (April 17, 2011). "SF Giants' Brian Wilson unveils 2-seam fastball". [[San Francisco Chronicle]].
86. Nightengale, Bob. [https://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/nl/giants/2010-10-18-brian-wilson-feature_N.htm Giants' closer Brian Wilson not as crazy as he looks, acts], ''USA Today'', October 18, 2010. Retrieved 2010-10-21.
87. Killion, Ann. (July 19, 2011). "Giants closer Brian Wilson: off-the-wall, eccentric, interesting". [[Sports Illustrated]].
88. Kruth, Cash. (July 28, 2010). "Wilson fined for his orange cleats". SFGiants.com: News.
89. Baggarly, Andrew. (2011). "A Band of Misfits: Tales of the 2010 San Francisco Giants". Triumph Books.
90. Gay, Jason and David Biderman. (October 27, 2010). "Baseball Takes a Back Seat to The Beard". [[The Wall Street Journal]].
91. (October 27, 2010). "World Series Wilsons prove to be good sports". [[USA Today]].
92. Tafur, Vittorio. (May 10, 2011). "S.F. Giants fans growing beards like Brian Wilson". [[San Francisco Chronicle]].
93. Rubin, Gideon. "Brian Wilson's beard has mystique all its own". [[ESPN]].
94. Berton, Justin. (October 1, 2010). "Giants fans have a good feeling about playoffs". [[San Francisco Chronicle]].
95. Kroichick, Ron. (October 7, 2010). "Giants' Wilson hopes hitters fear the beard". [[San Francisco Chronicle]].
96. Britt, Aaron. (October 10, 2010). "Beards are in style for Giants' playoffs". [[San Francisco Chronicle]].
97. Haft, Chris. (April 6, 2011). "Romo goes with new look, shaves hair off chin". SFGiants.com: News.
98. (October 24, 2012). "World Series a hairy experience for Giants, Tigers". [[CBC Sports]].
99. Wilson, Brian. (May 22, 2011). "Crossing Over".
100. Schulman, Henry. (February 18, 2008). "Renteria learning about four 2nd basemen". [[San Francisco Chronicle]].
101. Schulman, Henry. (February 24, 2008). "Blarney Stone kiss energizes Brian Wilson". [[San Francisco Chronicle]].
102. (October 26, 2010). "Brian Wilson: Getting to Know 'The Machine' and Baseball's Personality". [[AOL News]].
103. "Interviews & Appearances". brianwilson38.com.
104. (November 8, 2010). "Brian Wilson".
105. Schulman, Henry. (February 6, 2011). "Giants Fanfest: Wilson is now the face (and beard) of the team". [[San Francisco Chronicle]].
106. Brinson, Will. (October 13, 2011). "Wilson's Bell Ads a 'Joke'". NBC Bay Area.
107. Baggarly, Andrew. (July 14, 2008). "At long last: Brian Wilson reveals the meaning behind his crossed arms gesture after he saves a game". [[San Jose Mercury News]].
108. (2010-11-02). "Brian Wilson ends World Series with 'most special' signal to dad". Yahoo! Sports.
109. Haft, Chris. (May 30, 2011). "Wilson establishes Air Force scholarships".
110. Berry, Adam. (July 7, 2011). "Wilson hands out 1,000 gloves, talks to kids". SFGiants.com: News.
111. Matthews, David. (27 October 2010). "What We Have Learned About Brian Wilson And The Machine (UPDATE)".
112. (2010-10-12). "Brian Wilson - Cheap Seats Interview - "The Machine" Revealed".
113. Knapp, Gwen. (June 27, 2011). "SF Giants, fans celebrate championship". [[San Francisco Chronicle]].
114. Finger, John. (11 February 2011). "The myth of The Machine". CSN Philly.
115. Wojnar, Zak. (September 20, 2019). "Joe Manganiello Interview: Bottom of the 9th".