One of my early "heroes" was Willie Wilson.
Posted on: April 23, 2024 at 11:09:55 CT
ZouDave KC
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Growing up in KC in the 80s, I learned to love the Royals about the same time I learned to love Mizzou. And while we all worshipped George Brett, it felt too easy to have the best 3B ever be my favorite player. I ****ing LOVED the way Willie Wilson played baseball. I loved his speed and athleticism, I loved that he did all the little things well, and mostly I was in awe of his hustle.
My dad had taught me, as I was getting into sports, that I won't always be good at things in sports and no matter what I do there will be limitations that can hold me back (like, I can't just decide to be 6'10" to be a great Center in basketball). But you can ALWAYS control your ability to hustle. And that's what I saw in Willie Wilson, and wanted to do everything I could to be like him on the field.
Then I heard the news about his cocaine problem, and especially in the "Just Say No" days of the 80s...my admiration for Wilson was gone in a flash.
I still remember him fondly for what he did on the field, and will always have a soft spot in my heart for him, but he ceased being a hero to me when I was still very young. Now 40 years later, I still remember that realization of your heroes are only human.