Jacob Wilson’s Father’s Day message to his dad: “I’m just super grateful to have him.’’
Jacob Wilson’s professional demeanor extends well beyond his ability to stay calm in the batter’s box while hitting line drives all over the field in his role as the Athletics’ everyday shortstop. He plays the game with a work ethic, a fundamental soundness and attention to detail that’s part nature, part nurture.
A good portion of the credit goes to his father, Jack, who spent 12 years in the big leagues as a shortstop with the Pirates, Mariners and Braves from 2001-2012, collecting an All-Star berth and a Silver Slugger Award along the way. Jacob was 10 years old when his dad retired as an active player, but he learned enough in late night bull sessions, batting cage tutorials and ballpark tagalongs to last an entire career.
Those lessons endured through youth ball, adolescence and at Thousand Oaks (Calif.) High School and Grand Canyon University, where he made consistent and steady strides under Jack’s coaching. He never once took the relationship for granted.
“Ever since I was a kid, he’s always been my coach, teaching me everything he learned throughout his career,’’ Jacob said. “I’m just super grateful to have him and be able to call him after games, good or bad, and learn from him and all the experiences he went through as a player.’’
Those family ties are especially meaningful on Father’s Day. While Jack continues to pursue his goal of running a college program after two years coaching the Greeneville Flyboys in the Appalachian League, a collegiate summer league, Jacob is rounding back into form with the Athletics after missing a month with a shoulder injury. Through the inevitable challenges of a 162-game season, he leans on his father’s example and counsel to stay centered and focused.
“He’s always told me to go out and have fun every single day,’’ Jacob said. “We play 162 games, so you need to go out there with a positive attitude, have fun and take something positive out of every day.
“I definitely wouldn’t be in this position today without having him as a dad growing up. He’s been everything for me. I wouldn’t be here today without his help.’’
