Former major leaguer Preston Wilson is excited to help the next generation of players.
An outfielder for six big league teams from 1998-2007, Wilson begins his managerial career this season with the Frederick Keys. The Keys are part of the MLB Draft League, a wood-bat league that showcases players who are looking to gain exposure and improve their skills ahead of the July draft.
The Draft League was implemented in 2021 and consists of six teams, all of which used to be affiliated with major league teams. The first half of the season runs from June 4 to July 12 with amateur and draft-eligible players. Players come from a wide range of backgrounds, including four-year programs, junior colleges, NAIA and the high school ranks. One local talent on the Keys is infielder Eddie Hacopian from the University of Maryland.
The second half of the season runs from July 16 to Sept. 3, featuring players without any more college eligibility.
Wilson has always been interested in managing.
“I love the game, and I love not just how it’s played but why things happen, why they’re supposed to happen — the chess match that goes on,” Wilson said on Glenn Clark Radio June 3. “More than anything, helping kids get better. Seeing a guy learn something and not making the same mistakes over and over again … that’s part of what I hope to accomplish here, help these kids learn who they are as ballplayers.”
Former Brewers and Dodgers pitcher Jimmy Nelson serves as Wilson’s pitching coach. Former Rockies and Twins coach Tony Diaz serves as Wilson’s hitting coach. Wilson knows his staff has the credentials to help players in the Draft League.
“We have been where they’re trying to go,” Wilson said. “I have been where they’re trying to go. I’ve done all the things they’re trying to hopefully accomplish. … There’s instant credibility. “
Building a relationship with players is the next step.
“Now, I have to maintain that trust,” Wilson said. “I have to show that I’m always on their side. I have to show them that I have their backs and that I want them to learn, and I’m going to try to find every possible way to help them get better. And if I don’t know the answer, I’m going to call somebody that knows the answer.”
Wilson wants to continue to learn how to listen to players and understand what they need from him.
“It’s not about me, it’s about helping them get better. And if I help these kids get better, it’s going to help me as far as my career, but the objective is to help them,” Wilson said. “It’s not about helping me, it’s about helping them become the best baseball player that they can, and No. 1 in that process is learning who they are.”
The former FOX Sports Florida analyst believes there are more roles that come with being a manager beyond just writing a lineup, something he saw firsthand as a player.
“You’re a psychologist in that locker room. You’re trying to figure out how to help these guys keep going back out there every day, whether they’re having good days or bad days,” Wilson said. “You’re a psychologist with your pitching staff. You have to understand how to help those guys deal with failure as well as success.”
For more from Wilson, listen to the full interview here:
Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Frederick Keys