Television personality and AZfoothills.com columnist Nadine Toren is scouring the area, finding savvy Valley features, bringing readers “on the scene.” Every day she’ll introduce you to celebrities, athletes, and give you an inside look into local events and hot spots. She'll touch on topical issues, and keep AZ fans posted on all the big talkers around town.
“Fear the beard.”
It’s a statement you’re bound to hear at any San Francisco Giants game.
Fans will often wave signs with those three little words, as they support their closing pitcher Brian Wilson.
But looks can be deceiving.
Behind the black (feared) beard and under the tattoos, lies a very passionate pitcher and person.
All you have to do is take a deep look into Wilson’s green eyes and get him talking about America’s Favorite Pastime; that’s when you’ll realize why he is one of the baseball babes I’m high-lighting in lieu of Spring Training.
When I sat down to talk to Wilson in the Scottsdale Stadium Clubhouse, I felt like we were the only two people in the room.
Admittedly, we were surrounded by 62 baseball babes changing after their Spring Training work-out (I know, tough assignment), but for the mere five minutes chatting with Wilson, my boy-crazy tendencies didn’t matter.
Wilson gave me his undivided attention, answering my questions with TLC.
The Giants pitcher grew up in Londonderry, New Hampshire.
From the age of five, his heart was set on the game, kicking off his career playing wiffle-ball in his backyard.
At 12 years old, Wilson was quite the athlete, winning the NFL’s Punt, Pass, and Kick contest at a New England Patriots game.
But 12 was also the age when Wilson’s father was diagnosed with kidney cancer.
His dad was a career Air Force man, spending more than 20 years serving our country, but when our bearded-Giant turned 17, he lost his dad.
However, there’s no doubt Wilson’s father isn’t cheering him on in spirit.
Who wouldn’t be proud to have a World Series winner for a son?
“It’s a dream come true,” said pitcher Brian Wilson.
Wilson is talking about that October day when his team became World Series champs. City fans from all over the country sported black and orange supporting their beloved Giants.
“We’re talking about hundreds and thousands of hours put towards one specific goal. There are not many people out there that can honestly say they have put every single thought, effort, physical, emotional, and spiritual desire into this one goal, and it was finally met,” said Wilson.
