Brian Wilson – 2012 Topps # 260
Brian Wilson was on the pitching mound at the exact moment the San Francisco Giants won the 2010 World Series Championship. It doesn’t get any more appropriate than that. There he was, the passionate competitor making his patented, game-winning gesture. It’s an unmistakable image, one that is indelibly stamped in the consciousness of every Giants fan. The tall, bearded reliever with his arms crossed, right index finger pointing one way and his glove the other, will forever live in Giants lore. This is my favorite Brian Wilson, but there are others.
He’s the reliever who will upon occasion put the “T” in torture. He is the keeper of the beard that is feared throughout the land. He is the star of the show, a man who yearns to be the main event, craves it, needs it. He is the odd fellow and unabashed star of the Taco Bell commercials. He is the owner of the vicious 95 mile an hour fastball that freezes hitters into submission. He is the good teammate who reaches out to all the members of the squad. He is the professional athlete whose dedication to a rigorous training regimen borders on the other worldly. He’s the proud owner of those bright orange shoes that had to be toned down in order to come into compliance with major league baseball’s uniform code. He is the proud Giant who hoisted the 2010 World Series Championship flag at AT&T Park.
His 2012 Topps card, seen above, is pure Wilsonian intensity. Brian Wilson wants to win with every fiber of his being. Just click on the image and you’ll see what I mean in greater detail. This is a man who sweats. It’s no accident that his image here takes up the entire card. He’s larger than life on that pitching mound.
On a baseball landscape littered with relievers whose success is fleeting, Brian Wilson has proven to be very durable, converting 35 or more saves for the past four seasons. He’s looked very good this year, too. That’s good news for every San Francisco Giants fan who wants to attend another parade this October, right Eddie?
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I agree Michael. The gesture is for his Dad.
He may be odd but he’s ours and we’re proud of him!
I like Brian Wilson. He is good for baseball. He reminds me of Al (Mad Hungarian) Hrabosky who pitched in relief for the Cardinals back in the ’70’s. These characters are part of the spectacle that makes the sport fun, especially when they also happen to be very talented pitchers as well.
Bill