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New York Times
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Trained since childhood to never swing and miss, A's phenom Jacob Wilson raps out hit after hit
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Lawrence Butler looked like he was witnessing a World Series walkoff. The Athletics outfielder stood excitedly at the top step of the dugout, his arms raised, his grin widening. Everyone to his left and right — also watching from the top step — joined in on the celebration. Advertisement It was the second inning of a five-run game on April 23. But that didn't matter to Jacob Wilson's teammates, who had anticipated this moment nearly as long as the hitter and rookie shortstop had himself. Then it finally happened: After 87 plate appearances over 24 games, Wilson at last worked a walk. 'To look over and see all the guys freaking out in the dugout, it was pretty fun,' Wilson said. 'It was a cool moment, to get the first one of the year. It took a little bit.' Wilson, the Athletics' young star, started spring training by competing for a job. After a 4-for-4 game Sunday, Wilson is now hitting .357, the best pure hitter in a potent lineup, and the heavy favorite to win American League Rookie of the Year. The No. 6 pick in the 2023 draft has done it despite a minuscule whiff rate, walk rate and hard-hit rate. It's a unique combination of traits that hardly exist elsewhere in the game, but seemingly work for the 23-year-old phenom, and an A's team reliant on his offense. 'Swing and miss has always been not a part of who I am,' Wilson said. 'Since high school, I've been putting the bat on the ball and training my hand-eye coordination. '… If I wasn't getting hits right now, and the batting average was low, I'd probably be taking a lot more (pitches),' Wilson said. 'But right now, I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing.' Wilson is the son of former Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson, who retired in 2012. Much of Jacob's early childhood was spent bouncing around big-league clubhouses across his father's stints in Pittsburgh, Seattle and Atlanta. That's where Jack started to coach his son, who would wear the full uniform of his dad's team, and would often travel to whatever city his dad was playing in. Years later, Jack was still his son's coach as the younger Wilson became one of the top prospects before getting selected by the then-Oakland A's. Advertisement The elder Wilson was a very good player in his own right, making an All-Star team and winning a Silver Slugger in 2004. Still, he might not have the ceiling his son does. Already, though, it's clear they share an approach: The Wilsons rarely walk, and they rarely strike out. In his 12-year career, Jack walked at a 5.1 percent clip and struck out 11.6 percent of the time, when the league averages were 8.5 percent and 17.5 percent, respectively. Jacob is even more selective; he has walked in 6.2 percent of his at-bats so far, versus a league average of 8.3 percent, and struck out in a mere 7.1 percent of his appearances, compared to a league that now strikes out 22 percent of the time. Those characteristics are not genetic, however. The bat-on-ball skills were passed down through extensive training utilizing games like stickball and ping pong. Jack was Jacob's coach throughout high school in Thousand Oaks, California. When Jacob played at Grand Canyon University, Jack came on as an assistant coach for Jacob's final season. To this day, the two debrief on the phone after every game. 'The biggest thing we did is probably play stickball,' Jack said. 'Stickball in the backyard with broomsticks. And you had to square up tennis balls. I was throwing what probably seemed like 100 miles per hour to him. 'We always challenged each other, we played against each other. It was a competition.' He struggled mightily on off-speed and breaking pitches in his small big-league sample size last season, whiffing a considerable amount on both. In 2025, he's no longer missing those pitches. Because of that, Jacob Wilson speculates he's begun walking more. After no walks in his first 87 plate appearances, he has 13 walks in 153 appearances since, to go along with just 14 strikeouts this season. The rise in balls, he speculates, has come because pitchers now know to throw him fewer strikes. Advertisement Even as he walks more, he remains a rarely-seen type of player. 'We can identify a few guys, obviously a few of them are in the Hall of Fame. One was named Rod Carew,' said A's manager Mark Kotsay, trying to search for comps to his young infielder. 'That's a pretty good comp.' The easiest present-day comps would be high-average hitters like San Diego's Luis Arraez or Cleveland's Steven Kwan. But even both of those hitters have higher walk rates than Wilson. Many of the other great shortstops in baseball have serious pop. Bobby Witt Jr. is coming off back-to-back 30-home run seasons. Elly De La Cruz, Francisco Lindor, Corey Seager and many others rely on home run power. While Wilson can hit for power — he has seven home runs and a robust .504 slugging percentage — and the unique conditions in Sacramento might assist in home run totals, his slow bat speed, long term, seems likely to lead to a ton of singles and lesser power at a position that's become known for it. 'He hits the ball in a way that's conducive to getting a lot of hits,' said A's All-Star designated hitter Brent Rooker. 'What you're seeing is what he's going to do for the next however many years. It's play a good shortstop, and get a ton of hits, and be a guy that can impact the game on both sides of the ball, but specifically offensively.' There was a stretch earlier this month where Wilson went 0-for-15. Nothing too uncommon for any player. But for Wilson, that slump felt monumental. Base hits are his value in this game, and when it felt like that dried up, and he couldn't produce, it weighed on him. Jack has come to accept that his son will soon far surpass all of his accomplishments. He's good with that. He wants that. He may not have the same level of talent, but after more than a decade in the big leagues, Jack has wisdom to spare. Advertisement 'That's when I was like, 'Alright, this is time for me to step up,'' Jack said. 'He kind of just let it go, he was frustrated. 'I said, 'You have no idea how good this is.' And we're on FaceTime, and he's just looking at me. He's like, 'What are you talking about?' I'm like, 'This isn't the first time you're gonna go 0-for-15 in your career. But the best players in the world find a way to get out of these quicker than everybody else.'' And his father was right. He went 6-for-13 in the immediate aftermath, picking back up where he left off. Which is going from a player with potential to one who's showcasing it on a nightly basis. Making an All-Star game? Winning Rookie of the Year? Becoming the one-day face of the A's? It's all possible, even if he's making it happen in his own unique way. 'I have a lot of belief in myself as a player, having a lot of confidence and belief in yourself that you can do those things,' Wilson said. 'I'm helping my team do whatever they need, and the personal stuff will come.' (Top photo of Jacob Wilson: Mark Blinch / Getty Images)
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Athletics take on the Twins after Wilson's 4-hit game
Minnesota Twins (31-27, third in the AL Central) vs. Athletics (23-37, fifth in the AL West) West Sacramento, California; Monday, 10:05 p.m. EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Twins: Joe Ryan (5-2, 2.57 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 72 strikeouts); Athletics: Luis Severino (1-4, 3.89 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 54 strikeouts) Advertisement BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Twins -160, Athletics +134; over/under is 9 runs BOTTOM LINE: The Athletics take on the Minnesota Twins after Jacob Wilson had four hits against the Blue Jays on Sunday. The Athletics have a 23-37 record overall and a 9-19 record in home games. Athletics hitters have a collective .417 slugging percentage to rank fifth in the majors. Minnesota has gone 13-19 in road games and 31-27 overall. The Twins have a 15-6 record in games when they did not allow a home run. The teams meet Monday for the first time this season. TOP PERFORMERS: Tyler Soderstrom has 11 doubles, 12 home runs and 36 RBIs for the Athletics. Nick Kurtz is 7 for 29 with four home runs over the last 10 games. Advertisement Ty France has eight doubles and four home runs for the Twins. Carlos Correa is 9 for 31 with two doubles and three home runs over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Athletics: 1-9, .265 batting average, 8.16 ERA, outscored by 41 runs Twins: 4-6, .211 batting average, 3.69 ERA, outscored by six runs INJURIES: Athletics: Miguel Andujar: day-to-day (oblique), Nick Kurtz: 10-Day IL (hip), Zack Gelof: 60-Day IL (hand), Gio Urshela: 10-Day IL (hamstring), J.T. Ginn: 15-Day IL (quadricep), T.J. McFarland: 15-Day IL (groin), Jose Leclerc: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Brady Basso: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Ken Waldichuk: 60-Day IL (elbow), Luis Medina: 60-Day IL (elbow) Advertisement Twins: Luke Keaschall: 60-Day IL (forearm), Danny Coulombe: 15-Day IL (forearm), Michael Tonkin: 60-Day IL (shoulder) ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Associated Press
6 hours ago
- General
- Associated Press
Athletics take on the Twins after Wilson's 4-hit game
Minnesota Twins (31-27, third in the AL Central) vs. Athletics (23-37, fifth in the AL West) West Sacramento, California; Monday, 10:05 p.m. EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Twins: Joe Ryan (5-2, 2.57 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 72 strikeouts); Athletics: Luis Severino (1-4, 3.89 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 54 strikeouts) BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Twins -160, Athletics +134; over/under is 9 runs BOTTOM LINE: The Athletics take on the Minnesota Twins after Jacob Wilson had four hits against the Blue Jays on Sunday. The Athletics have a 23-37 record overall and a 9-19 record in home games. Athletics hitters have a collective .417 slugging percentage to rank fifth in the majors. Minnesota has gone 13-19 in road games and 31-27 overall. The Twins have a 15-6 record in games when they did not allow a home run. The teams meet Monday for the first time this season. TOP PERFORMERS: Tyler Soderstrom has 11 doubles, 12 home runs and 36 RBIs for the Athletics. Nick Kurtz is 7 for 29 with four home runs over the last 10 games. Ty France has eight doubles and four home runs for the Twins. Carlos Correa is 9 for 31 with two doubles and three home runs over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Athletics: 1-9, .265 batting average, 8.16 ERA, outscored by 41 runs Twins: 4-6, .211 batting average, 3.69 ERA, outscored by six runs INJURIES: Athletics: Miguel Andujar: day-to-day (oblique), Nick Kurtz: 10-Day IL (hip), Zack Gelof: 60-Day IL (hand), Gio Urshela: 10-Day IL (hamstring), J.T. Ginn: 15-Day IL (quadricep), T.J. McFarland: 15-Day IL (groin), Jose Leclerc: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Brady Basso: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Ken Waldichuk: 60-Day IL (elbow), Luis Medina: 60-Day IL (elbow) Twins: Luke Keaschall: 60-Day IL (forearm), Danny Coulombe: 15-Day IL (forearm), Michael Tonkin: 60-Day IL (shoulder) ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Monk's Cellar, Jackrabbit Brewing Co. win State Fair craft beer competition
Monk's Cellar of Roseville was named Brewery of the Year, and Jackrabbit Brewing Co. of West Sacramento won Best of Show for its northern American-style lager, The Eelest, in the 30th annual California State Fair Commercial Craft Beer Competition. The event, the state's longest-running and most prestigious craft beer competition, highlights innovation and excellence in California's brewing industry. Monk's Cellar earned five medals this year: three gold, one silver and one bronze. The brewery won Brewery of the Year in 2023. Winners will be featured at the 2025 Best of California Brewfest, scheduled from 3 to 7 p.m. July 12 at the Michelob Ultra Grandstand during the State Fair at Cal Expo. 'These awards are a testament to the remarkable creativity and commitment of California's brewing community,' said Tom Martinez, CEO of California Exposition and State Fair, in a statement. Entries were judged on flavor, appearance, aroma, and overall quality, showcasing the technical skill and creativity behind each beer, according to fair officials. 'As the longest-running craft beer competition in the state, we've had the privilege of spotlighting the evolution of California brewing for three decades,' Martinez said. 'From longtime favorites to rising stars, these brewers are pushing boundaries and producing world-class beer right here in our state.' The Brewfest will also feature interactive games and mini golf challenges provided by Tipsy Putt. Advance tickets are $45 for general admission and $55 for VIP access. Day-of prices increase to $50 and $60, respectively. General admission ticket holders must arrive by 4 p.m., and VIP guests by 3 p.m. Designated driver tickets cost $20 at the gate. For tickets and a full list of winners, visit the California State Fair Brewfest page at The 2025 California State Fair runs from July 11 to July 27 at the Cal Expo fairgrounds in Sacramento. Gates open at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 10 a.m. Friday through Sunday.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Oswald Peraza belts ‘special' homer with Yankees roster spot in doubt
Access the Yankees beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees. Try it free WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Twice, unprompted, Oswald Peraza said he is enjoying being a Yankee. Advertisement The young infielder wants to remain in pinstripes and knows that he must perform to ensure he will continue to be a part of the team. Peraza performed Saturday, when he smacked his second home run of the season — a two-run shot that briefly gave the Yankees the lead in the sixth inning — in what became an elements-affected 11-7 loss to the A's at Sutter Health Park. In what had been a tie game, Peraza teed off on a sweeper from righty Justin Sterner, pulling it down the left field line and clearing the wall. With DJ LeMahieu due back as soon as Monday in Seattle, Peraza's spot on the roster has seemed in question. Advertisement If this home run meant a bit more to him, it showed: He looked toward the dugout, slammed his bat to the dirt and pumped his fist on the way to first base. 'Definitely a special moment there,' Peraza said through interpreter Marlon Abreu. 'Like I said, I'm really enjoying being part of this team and finding a way just to stay ready. The opportunities, you want to be ready for when they come.' Oswald Peraza rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run in the sixth inning of the Yankees' 11-7 loss to the A's on May 10, 2025. Dennis Lee-Imagn Images There have not been a ton of opportunities for Peraza, who also has not run with the ones he has been given. His 1-for-3 day bumped his average to .205 and OPS to .657, typically playing third base against lefties while Oswaldo Cabrera has gotten the reps against righties. CHECK OUT THE LATEST MLB STANDINGS AND YANKEES STATS 'He obviously hasn't played a ton, but I feel like his at-bats have really improved from the start of the season,' manager Aaron Boone said. Advertisement When LeMahieu returns, the Yankees could create roster room by DFA'ing Peraza or Pablo Reyes or optioning Jorbit Vivas. A leaping Oswald Peraza celebrates with Jasson Dominguez after hitting a two-run homer in the sixth inning of the Yankees' loss to the A's. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Perhaps Peraza can build upon an encouraging swing — but doing so is difficult because the Yankees are expected to see a slew of righty starters in the next week. 'Definitely some difficulties finding a way to stay ready,' Peraza acknowledged. 'But at the same time, I'm also enjoying the opportunity and being here, finding ways to prepare yourself and stay ready. … Definitely enjoying being here and being part of this team.' All around the A's clubhouse are Yankees reminders. In one corner are the lockers, in order, of Luis Severino, Miguel Andujar and Gio Urshela. Advertisement A bit farther down sits Mitch Spence, a Rule 5 pick taken from the Yankees in December 2023. Injured former top Yankees prospects Luis Medina and Ken Waldichuk own lockers, and across the room is JP Sears, who came up through the Yankees system and debuted in pinstripes in 2022. Former Bomber JP Sears delivers a pitch during the first inning of the Yankees' loss to the A's. Getty Images Sears, part of the Frankie Montas trade at the 2022 trade deadline, might be a regret of Brian Cashman's, having established himself in the A's rotation and allowing one run over five innings Saturday. Sears has fond memories of his time with the Yankees — including a snapshot of Aaron Judge's behind-the-scenes leadership. Advertisement The lefty pitched well enough in spring training 2022 to crack the Opening Day roster for what would be his major league debut. Two days after he learned he would break camp with the team, he got a text from Judge. 'Hey, if you're not busy, I got a reservation for you and your family at Don Angie's,' Judge told Sears. JP Sears throwing a pitch while with the Yankees in 2022. for the NY POST He wasn't busy. After flying from Tampa to New York ahead of the start of the regular season, Sears and his parents went to dinner at the West Village spot at which reservations are hard to come by — unless you know the captain of the Yankees. Sears and his family simply showed up and did not have to plan any of the details. At the end of the meal, Judge arrived, introduced himself to Sears' parents and paid for the dinner. Advertisement 'It seems like he's always been the person he says he's going to be,' Sears said. The Yankees transferred the rehab assignment of righty Scott Effross from the FCL Yankees to Double-A Somerset. The Yankees have not named a starting pitcher for Sunday's series finale, needing a fifth starter after Carlos Carrasco was DFA'd and wanting Clarke Schmidt to receive an extra day of rest before pitching Monday. Boone said Ryan Yarbrough likely would 'figure in some way, shape or form,' meaning the bullpen length option could start or could log innings as a bulk reliever. The odd man out of the starting lineup Saturday: Ben Rice, who sat against the lefty Sears. Advertisement Judge moved to DH, Trent Grisham started in center field, Cody Bellinger played right and Jasson Domínguez remained in the lineup against a southpaw after his three-homer game Friday. Rice pinch hit in the eighth and struck out against Mason Miller. 'I've kind of looked at it as a way to keep these guys fresh, too,' Boone said. 'But they're all playing pretty much all the time. So far I feel like it's worked well.'
