Jack Wilson Talks About Retiring as a Pittsburgh Pirate–Sounds Like a Bobblehead

Pittsburgh loved Jack Wilson.

Sorry, don’t hate, but we didn’t. We never…. ever could find it in our heart to be a fan of the Pirates shortstop. News came out last night that it appears like the Bucs are going to remain connected with the flashy shortstop of all those losing seasons.

The Buccos shortstop was on the Atlanta Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates telecast last night. Wilson said he had a meeting with Pirates President Frank Coonelly before the game. Wilson then mentioned that a discussion was held about signing “one of those one day contracts” and retiring as a Pittsburgh Pirate.

July 13, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Jack Wilson (2) comes out of the game with an injury in the fourth inning against the New York Mets at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

Wilson had his career year way back in 2004.  The shortstop set career highs in nearly every offensive category.  His increase in isolated power always blew me away…just what happened that year that never happened again?

Wilson put up a .308 average and actually shared the league lead in triples with 12.  He scored 82 runs and surprisingly ripped 41 doubles and eleven homers while driving in 49 of his Pirates teammates.

The big number was 201 hits which was good for third in the game.  Jumpin Jack had 56 multi-hit games and ended the season with a 12-game hitting streak going 17-for-46 to hit .370 over that span.

With those 201 hits, Wilson became only the ninth National League shortstop to collect 200 hits in a season.  He was the franchise’s first player since Dave Parker did it in 1977.  Honus Wagner did it, but that was way back in 1908.

During the radio broadcast Wilson was much more open than when he was when rushed along by TV analyst Tim Never-gonna-get-et.   On the radio side with Greg Brown, Wilson mentioned he will be a guest instructor this spring in Bradenton when the Bucs gather for spring training as well as returning for Piratefest.

Count me as a guy not impressed by bringing back Jack Wilson.  Just another move to get some Buccos fans happy, another promotional idea.  You know how it works,  Frank calls marketing and the geniuses will get a bobble head made up, but heh, whatever sells tickets.

I want to see some improved talent next year.

If it takes a party for Jack Wilson to help make it happen, bring it on.

Wiki on Jack Wilson