Willie James "Will" Blackwell (born December 26, 1972) is an American former professional baseball outfielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1996–2001) and the San Francisco Giants (2002).
Early Life and Amateur Career
Blackwell was born in San Mateo, California. He attended San Lorenzo High School in San Lorenzo, California, and later the University of Southern California (USC), where he played college baseball for the USC Trojans. During his time at USC, Blackwell was a highly regarded prospect, known for his speed and athleticism.
Professional Career
Blackwell was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the second round of the 1993 Major League Baseball draft. He spent several years in the Pirates' minor league system, consistently performing well and showcasing his potential.
- Pittsburgh Pirates (1996–2001): Blackwell made his MLB debut with the Pirates on September 7, 1996. He quickly became known for his speed, often utilized as a lead-off hitter and a strong defensive outfielder. His best season came in 1999 when he played in 143 games, hitting .271 with 14 home runs, 43 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases. He continued to be a regular starter for the Pirates through the 2001 season, though injuries occasionally hampered his production.
- San Francisco Giants (2002): In 2002, Blackwell was traded to his hometown team, the San Francisco Giants. He played in 39 games for the Giants during that season, primarily as a reserve outfielder, before retiring from professional baseball at the conclusion of the year.
Over his seven-year MLB career, Blackwell played in 618 games, accumulating a .264 batting average with 37 home runs, 153 RBIs, and 61 stolen bases.
Post-Playing Career
After retiring from baseball, Blackwell has largely remained out of the public eye.
See Also
- List of Pittsburgh Pirates first-round draft picks
References
- Baseball-Reference.com
- MLB.com