Former Clemson Tiger Weston Wilson Makes History in the Majors Again
For Weston Wilson, the journey to Major League Baseball has been anything but typical. The former Clemson baseball infielder from 2014-16, who spent years grinding in the minors, made a resounding statement Thursday night by completing the cycle for the Philadelphia Phillies in a 13-3 victory over the Washington Nationals.
Wilson’s career has been defined by patience, perseverance, and an unyielding belief in his abilities. Drafted in the 17th round by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2016 and later signing a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies organization on January 11, 2023, the utility player spent seven years navigating the highs and lows of minor league ball.
The Phillies organization has witnessed the highs.
"This guy gives you guys a lot to write about," said Phillies manager Rob Thomson after Wilson's big night. “In his first at-bat, he hits a home run, and now he hits the cycle."
On August 6, 2023, Wilson was selected to the Phillies roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time in his career. In his first career start on August 9, 2023, he hit a home run on his first-ever plate appearance against the Nationals but pitcher Michael Lorenzen’s no-hitter stole the spotlight.
Wilson became the first Phillies player with a home run in his first MLB plate appearance since Marlon Anderson in 1998. Moreover, he combined with Lorenzen to make the Phillies the first team in AL/NL history to have a player homer in his debut and a pitcher throw a no-hitter on the same day.
Wilson was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to begin the 2024 season and recalled again on July 12, 2024, to replace former two-time All-Star and South Carolina baseball player Whit Merrifield.
In his 24th game, Wilson, 29, hit the cycle — accomplished by hitting a single, double, triple, and home run in one game.
Starting in left field, Wilson began the quest for the cycle with a triple in the fourth inning, then a pop-up single later in the fourth, and homered in the seventh. Setting up a dramatic moment late in the eighth inning of the blowout.
With the Phillies up 11-3, Wilson's hit out to right field bounced off the glove of Nationals outfielder Alex Call, giving the High Point, NC native a double to complete the cycle.
For Wilson, the cycle, the 10th in franchise history and 348th in MLB, is more than a personal milestone — it’s a testament to the perseverance required in a sport that often demands years of dedication before granting a breakthrough.
"I think it’s a testament to perseverance — staying with everything," said Wilson, the first Phillies rookie to complete the cycle. "It hasn’t been easy but last year against them actually was my first game. So to have that moment last year and then this one has been really cool."
Phillies manager Rob Thomson praised the journeyman's determination. "I spent a lot of time in the minor leagues, and there's a whole bunch of people that spent a lot of time in the minor leagues that have never gotten an opportunity. So whenever a guy like that gets it, especially the quality person that he is. I really feel good for him. I really do."
Wilson went 4 for 5 with three runs scored and an RBI against the Nationals. In his last eight starts, he's batting .414 (12 of 29).
What's next for Wilson?
"I think he’ll get at-bats against left-handed pitching for sure," noted Thomson. "And pinch hitter off the bench. He can run the base, he can steal a base. He’s got a lot of quality."