After being selected by the Colorado Rockies in the fourth round of the 2010 MLB Draft, Wolfpack quarterback Russell Wilson has hit the ground running to begin his professional baseball career. He made an instant impression in his minor league debut June 25, going 1 for 3 at the plate with two RBI and two runs scored, propelling the Tri City Dust Devils to a 10-5 victory.
“It’s just been a great feeling to be out here playing baseball and being able to compete every night,” Wilson said. “It’s a different level of competition that I look forward to playing against day in and day out.”
Wilson has felt right at home so far in his young career with the Rockies organization, even though he is playing 2,750 miles away in Pasco, Wash. The two-sport star is also adjusting to second base, a position he played sparingly throughout his most recent season with the Wolfpack.
“It’s actually been pretty easy,” Wilson said. “I played a lot of second base my first two years at N.C. State. I didn’t play it that much this year but I would always work in the infield when I could, sometimes during batting practice, to try and get some extra work in. I definitely enjoy playing second and think it’s a good position for me.”
Through 17 games, the native of Richmond, Va. is batting .246 with seven RBI and is second on the Dust Devils in both runs scored (11) and walks (nine).
Wilson belted his first professional home run on July 11 against the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes in what was perhaps his most impressive performance of his minor league career so far. He finished the contest with two RBI and came just short of hitting for the cycle, needing only a triple to complete it.
Many would expect the level of competition to be the main difference between college and professional baseball. But Wilson said there is even more of a difference in lifestyle.
“The main difference is that you are your own as an individual,” Wilson said. “N.C. State didn’t necessarily tell us what to do in terms of our daily schedule, but now you have to do everything on your own and make your own decisions, so it takes some getting used to.”
Wolfpack baseball coach Elliott Avent said Wilson will take advantage of the opportunity in front of him because Wilson has been working toward the chance to play professionally his entire life.
“He’s living the dream he has had since high school, and that’s playing professional baseball,” Avent said. “I know Russell, and I know he’s excited about this opportunity he’s worked so hard for.”
While Wilson is currently focusing on improving as a baseball player, Wolfpack fans can count on seeing his No. 16 jersey under center by the time the start of the football season rolls around on September 4 against Western Carolina.
“I’m definitely excited for the football season,” Wilson said. “I’m focusing on baseball right now but I’ve been working out everyday, still getting my lifting and running in and throwing the football around some so I’ll be ready when August comes around.”
