Wilson thrilled to experience first time with all-stars
By: Justin Feil
Being called up to the major leagues is a big deal for any minor leaguer.
Brad Wilson knows the feeling.
He’s been playing baseball since he was 8 years old, but hadn’t made the Montgomery district team until this summer. After playing for the Montgomery Gold team, the team just below the district team, he finally made the Montgomery 13-year-old all-star baseball team that will open play in the Babe Ruth World Series noon Saturday against Northeast Valley, Ariz.
"It took a lot of blood sweat and tears," Wilson said. "It took a long time."
It was all worth it for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to play in a World Series. Wilson is the lone member of the Montgomery team that was not a part of the team to reach the Cal Ripken World Series last year as 12s.
"I had always played with them in rec," Wilson said. "I was glad to see them go that far. I like this team. I was glad to see what they did last year. I’m ecstatic to be a part of it this year."
Since being named to the team in May, Wilson has fit right in with the tight group. He has come off the bench for Montgomery as it won the District One, Southern New Jersey and Mid-Atlantic Regional championships to reach the World Series.
"He’s grown and he’s improved since last year," said Montgomery manager Sean Friel. "He’s done a real nice job for us. His playing time has been increasing with all these games. You could see his nervousness with districts. But then he got used to it as he was playing states and regionals. He’s done well on this team."
Friel expects to see the loose bunch of kids that have been focused but enjoyed preparing for their second straight trip to a World Series. Wilson doesn’t have any doubts that he’ll be poised as well, even though it is his first trip to the biggest stage for Babe Ruth baseball.
"I’m going to be more excited than nervous," Wilson said. "It’s my first time in a big World Series. I was nervous in districts. After states and regionals, it hasn’t numbed but it’s gotten more exciting than frightening."
Wilson has contributed as a pinch hitter, in the outfield and as a pinch runner. Wherever he’s played, he’s done his best.
"I don’t think I’ve been left out of a game," he said. "That’s what makes the team so great together, so cohesive."
Everyone on Montgomery knows they can contribute. Montgomery is hoping the contributions this year add up to a first World Series banner. Last year, Montgomery fell one inning away from reaching the championship round.
"The kids definitely have more expectations this year of advancing out of pool play," Friel said. "We don’t know what the competition is like, but one thing that last year proved without a doubt is we’re good enough to compete. Any team that goes to a first World Series, there’s going to be question marks. I don’t think there’s a question in any kid’s mind, we can compete and beat any team there. We’re going to have to play well, just like every team. The competition will be good. We want to advance out of pool play this year."
The top three teams from the American and National Divisions advance to the championship round with the top team in each division receiving a bye. Montgomery will play South Gibson, Ind., 5:30 p.m. Monday, East Lake, N.Y. 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and conclude pool play against Lewiston, ID, 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.
"I’m looking at it as an opportunity to be the best, in the country, in the world," Wilson said. "We’re close to it. I think we could easily win this. We can’t get cocky about it. I think we’re just as good as anyone else."
Wilson is thrilled with the chance to show he belongs on the team. Though he plays other sports, baseball remains his biggest passion. He showed a flexibility and willingness to work that gave him a spot on the all-star district team.
"The big thing I had to do was to change my position," Wilson said. "On the Gold team, I always played the main positions. I was one of the best players and I always played pitcher, shortstop or catcher. I have to play outfield for this team. I like doing it.
"It’s been pretty tough. I’ve had to work on it a lot. I go to the park and shag flies."
Wilson hasn’t found it hard to fit in with a group of players he’s known for years. They all started playing by the time they were 8. They’ve grown into the state’s best, a team that believes its wealth of big-game experience will pay off this week.
"Where the experience helps here is there are so many distractions at the World Series," Friel said. "It’s so much different than a regional or states. There are much bigger ceremonies, there are banquets and parades. There are a lot of events. I think the kids were surprised last year, quite a few had people come up and ask for autographs. This year, going back, they know what to expect. I don’t think they’ll be wide-eyed. Going there last year will make a big difference."
The difference could show as early as the first game. Like last year, Montgomery will play in the very first game of the World Series.
"It’s pretty ironic," noted Friel, whose team lost its opener last year. "Last year, that was a disadvantage. We were playing a team that had been to the previous World Series. This year, we’re in the opposite position. We’ve been and hopefully they (Arizona) have a few more nerves."
Wilson is the only Montgomery player who hasn’t been to a World Series, but surrounded by such experience has to rub off on him.
"It really does," Friel said. "You see these guys, and (Wednesday) was our final practice in Montgomery and everyone was really loose. He sees how loose they are. It gives him a comfort level. He sees how confident they are. It can only help him."
Brad Wilson doesn’t need any help to enjoy being a part of the Montgomery all-star team that opens its second straight World Series on Saturday.
"Coming here, everybody else is saying it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience all over again," Wilson said. "It’s my first chance at a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s been fun so far. It’s going to be fun."