** This first appeared on All Things Valley League **
By John Leonard
The long, nomadic road of former Luray Wrangler Jacob Wilson has finally taken him to the destination he sought- the major leagues.
Called up a few days ago by the Oakland A’s, Wilson made his major league debut last night when he pinch hit for Tony Kemp in the 10th inning.
Wilson played for Luray all the way back in 2009. The St. Louis Cardinals drafted him in the 10th round of the 2012 draft, and he began his pro career that summer. He spent six seasons with the Cardinals, topping out in Triple-A Memphis. He moved over to the Washington Nationals in 2018, and spent parts of two seasons there until he signed a contract to play for the Lotte Giants in the Korean Baseball Organization.
After missing a year because of Covid, he signed with Oakland this year, and was assigned to Triple-A Las Vegas, where he hit .288/.385/.630 in 218 plate appearances until his call up to the Show.
In over 3,000 plate appearances in his pro career, Wilson has hit .259/.339/.448, with 174 doubles, eight triples, and 114 home runs. He was undoubtably helped by his versatility; he can play all infield positions and left and right field, too.
Wilson becomes the 231st Valley League alumni to play in the major leagues (by my count), and the 20th in the 2021 MLB season.
Congratulations!