C.J. Wilson, Retired

Date of Birth: 11/18/1980
Birthplace: Newport Beach, California
College: Loyola Marymount University

C.J. Wilson, retired starting pitcher, was first drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2001. He played in the minor leagues from 2001 through 2003. In August, 2003, he had Tommy John surgery and then missed the rest of the 2003 season and the entire 2004 season. He pitched in both the minor leagues and with the Rangers in 2005.

Wilson pitched as both a relief pitcher and a starting pitcher in 24 games with the Rangers in 2005. He pitched 48.0 innings and had a 6.94 ERA with a 1-7 win-loss record and one save. The following season, he suffered from injuries and spent part of the season in the DL and part in the minor leagues. He pitched 44.1 innings with the Rangers, finishing the season with a 4.06 ERA, 2-4 record, and one save.

In 2007 and 2008, Wilson was the closer for the Rangers. He pitched well in 2007, finishing with 12 saves and a 3.03 ERA in 50 games. The following year, he had 24 saves in 74 games, but a dismal 6.02 ERA. In 2009, he pitched out of the bullpen in 74 games. He finished that season with a 2.81 ERA and 14 saves.

Wilson earned a spot on the Rangers starting rotation in 2010. That season, he pitched 204.0 innings and had a 15-8 record with a 3.35 ERA in 33 games. The following year was perhaps his best season. In 2011, he pitched a career high 223.1 innings with a 16-7 record, a career high 206 strikeouts to 74 walks, and a 2.94 ERA in 34 games.

In December, 2011, Wilson signed a five-year, $75 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels. In 2013, he had a 3.39 ERA with a career high 17 wins (to 7 losses) in 33 games. He finished the 2014 season with a 13-10 record, 151 strikeouts to 85 walks, and a 4.51 ERA in 175.2 innings in 31 games. In the post-season, he pitched just 0.2 innings in one game and he gave up three hits and three runs in that game.

Wilson pitched in just 21 games with the Angels in 2015. His season ended in August when he had elbow surgery. He finished the season with an 8-8 record, 110 strikeouts to 46 walks, and a 3.89 ERA in 132.0 innings.

Wilson missed all of the 2016 season, first due to his 2015 surgery and then due to season ending shoulder surgery.

Wilson became a free agent on November 3, 2016. In February, 2017, he said that he would pursue auto racing instead of continuing with his baseball career.

Statistics for Wilson in six seasons (2010-2015) as a starting pitcher in the major leagues include:

• 5 seasons with over 30 games, with a high of 34 in 2011 and 2012
• 4 seasons with over 200 innings pitched, with a high of 223.1 in 2011
• 5 seasons with over 150 strikeouts, with a high of 206 in 2011

Career pitching statistics for Wilson through 2016 include:

• 444 games played
• 1,430.1 innings pitched
• 94-70 win-loss record
• 52 saves
• 1,259 strikeouts to 602 walks
• 3.74 ERA

Charitable Work

Wilson established the C.J. Wilson's Children's Charities to aid children and families affected by chronic, life-threatening diseases. It also helps families facing social or financial difficulties. More information on the foundation can be found at cjwcc.org.

Sources for Information
Wikipedia - C.J. Wilson
ESPN - C.J. Wilson
Official Site of C.J. Wilson