EPISODE · Aug 14, 2020 · 1 MIN
Willie Wilson on Struggles to Kick His Drug Addiction
from Radio Baseball Cards · host Smarter Podcasts
Despite having a great playing career, Willie Wilson is better know for getting caught up in a bad time for professional athletes. Host of Radio Baseball Cards is Hall of Fame Pitcher and play by play broadcaster, Don Drysdale (1936-1993). Created by Fred Greene (Golf Smarter) Radio Baseball Cards was originally a nationally syndicated radio pre-game show in 1987. Radio Baseball Cards is listed in the Baseball Hall of Fame & Library.Willie James Wilson played 19 MLB seasons for the Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, and Chicago Cubs. He was an outfielder known for his speed and ability as an effective leadoff hitter. Wilson's career total of 668 stolen bases currently ranks him in 12th place all-time (after 2019 season) among major leaguers.After the end of the 1983 season, Wilson found himself in a drug scandal along with teammates Willie Aikens, Vida Blue, and Jerry Martin. All four pleaded guilty to misdemeanor drug charges (attempting to purchase cocaine) on November 17. They became the first active major leaguers to serve jail time, serving 81 days at the Fort Worth, Texas, Federal Correctional Institution. He was suspended by commissioner Bowie Kuhn for the entire 1984 season, but the suspension was reduced on appeal and he was able to return on May 15. The Royals traded or released the other three, with only Wilson returning to the Royals, and he hit .301 and stole 47 bases after his return.
What this episode covers
Despite having a great playing career, Willie Wilson is better know for getting caught up in a bad time for professional athletes. Host of Radio Baseball Cards is Hall of Fame Pitcher and play by play broadcaster, Don Drysdale (1936-1993). Created by Fred Greene (Golf Smarter) Radio Baseball Cards was originally a nationally syndicated radio pre-game show in 1987. Radio Baseball Cards is listed in the Baseball Hall of Fame & Library.Willie James Wilson played 19 MLB seasons for the Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, and Chicago Cubs. He was an outfielder known for his speed and ability as an effective leadoff hitter. Wilson's career total of 668 stolen bases currently ranks him in 12th place all-time (after 2019 season) among major leaguers.After the end of the 1983 season, Wilson found himself in a drug scandal along with teammates Willie Aikens, Vida Blue, and Jerry Martin. All four pleaded guilty to misdemeanor drug charges (attempting to purchase cocaine) on November 17. They became the first active major leaguers to serve jail time, serving 81 days at the Fort Worth, Texas, Federal Correctional Institution. He was suspended by commissioner Bowie Kuhn for the entire 1984 season, but the suspension was reduced on appeal and he was able to return on May 15. The Royals traded or released the other three, with only Wilson returning to the Royals, and he hit .301 and stole 47 bases after his return.
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Willie Wilson on Struggles to Kick His Drug Addiction
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