Definition
Preston Wilson (born March 31, 1974) is an American former professional baseball outfielder who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1998 to 2006.
Overview
Wilson debuted with the Atlanta Braves on April 2, 1998. Over the course of his nine‑year MLB career, he played for the Atlanta Braves, Florida Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks, Washington Nationals, and Texas Rangers. He was a right‑handed batter and thrower, primarily occupying the corner outfield positions. Wilson is best known for his 2000 season with the Marlins, during which he posted a .342 batting average, hit 44 home runs, and recorded 124 runs batted in (RBIs). His .342 average led the National League, earning him the league’s batting title. He was selected to the National League All‑Star team in 2002 while playing for the Braves. Wilson retired from professional baseball after the 2006 season.
Etymology/Origin
The given name Preston originates from an English place name meaning “priest’s town” (from Old English preost “priest” and tun “enclosure, settlement”). The surname Wilson is patronymic, derived from “son of Will,” with Will being a diminutive of William, a name of Germanic origin meaning “will‑helmet” or “desire‑protection.”
Characteristics
- Position: Primarily right field and left field; also played center field on occasion.
- Batting/Throwing: Batted right‑handed, threw right‑handed.
- Playing Style: Recognized for his power hitting, especially during the 2000 and 2002 seasons, and for a comparatively high strikeout rate.
- Career Statistics (MLB): 1,025 games played; .276 career batting average; 166 home runs; 579 RBIs; 1,058 hits.
- Notable Achievements:
- National League batting champion (2000, .342).
- National League All‑Star selection (2002).
- 44 home runs in a single season (2000), one of the highest totals for a Marlins player at the time.
- Post‑Playing Career: After retirement, Wilson has been involved in youth baseball coaching and community outreach programs in his native Georgia; specific details of his post‑playing activities are not extensively documented in major sources.
Related Topics
- Major League Baseball (MLB)
- Atlanta Braves
- Florida Marlins (now Miami Marlins)
- National League batting title
- Outfield positions in baseball
- List of MLB players with 40+ home runs in a season
Note: All information presented is based on publicly available records and reputable sports reference sources.