An Interview with St. Louis Cardinals draft pick Jacob Wilson

The St. Louis Cardinals’ tenth round pick, Jacob Wilson, was kind enough to join Redbird Rants for an exclusive interview. Wilson finished his college career at Memphis, where he was named the 2012 Conference USA Player of the Year.

Daniel Solzman:

Thanks for joining with Redbird Rants today for an interview. Congrats on a great career at with the University of Memphis and being named the Conference USA Player of the Year. How does it feel to be one of the newest members of Cardinal Nation?

Jacob Wilson: This has been a childhood dream while I was growing up to play professional baseball. It just so happens the cardinals were one of my favorite teams growing up so this is a great honor to be drafted by the cardinals. I can’t wait to begin my career at this level.

Daniel Solzman: Were you surprised when you found out you were drafted in the tenth round?

Jacob Wilson: In a way I was surprised that I was drafted in the 10th round because I hadn’t heard much information about when I was going to be drafted. At the same time, I was confident with the season I had and knew I had a chance to be in the top 10 rounds.

Daniel Solzman: With playing third base, is there any third baseman that you idolized while growing up?

Jacob Wilson: When I was growing up, I had always played shortstop and I loved to watch Jose Reyes play. Once I was moved to third base in college, I began to like Evan Longoria and David Wright play. But after the year that David Freese put up last year, it’s hard to not love the way he plays.

Daniel Solzman: Are you looking forward to the possibility that you might be back in Memphis in a few seasons playing professional baseball for the Memphis Redbirds?

Jacob Wilson: I would the opportunity I be able to play in Memphis for the Redbirds. I have so many family and friends that I have talked to about this and all they keep saying that I need to hurry up and come to Memphis to play so I can’t wait to possibly have that opportunity.

Daniel Solzman: Any final words for the best fans in baseball? Best of luck and Cards fans cannot wait to see you fielding at the corner in Busch Stadium sooner rather than later!

Jacob Wilson: I hope to be playing in front of this crowd one day. The best fans in baseball reside in St. Louis and it would be an awesome experience. After talking to Jason Motte about the atmosphere in the stadium, I cannot wait to have the opportunity to play in front of a crowd like that.