Wilson takes aim at NCAA World Series
Liam Wilson is closing out his senior year in style.
The Ayr native cleaned up on the diamond for Canisius College this season by leading the club in most offensive categories.
The first baseman’s 27 doubles set a school and Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference record while ranking third across the NCAA.
The output also helped the Golden Griffins to a conference crown and a berth in the 64-team NCAA Division 1 Baseball Tournament, which begins Friday.
“It’s very exciting,” said Wilson, who was also named a thirdteam all-American Thursday. “We put in a lot of hard work and it was good to win our conference and move on. It’s amazing to accomplish what we have as a team.”
The former Southwood Secondary School student headed south to swat baseballs at Colorado’s Northeastern Junior College before transferring to Canisius for the past three years.
This past season, Wilson led the Griffs in batting average (.360), hits (77) doubles (27), triples (tied with 3), runs (52), slugging percentage (.640) and total bases (137). He was also second on the roster with nine dingers.
“I just tried to stay consistent and not waste any at bats,” he said. “I tried to look for pitches I knew I could handle.”
Personal stats are great but qualifying for the eight-team College World Series — set for Omaha, Neb., beginning in mid June — is his primary focus. Canisius is in tough.
The Buffalo school kicks off the double elimination regionals in Minneapolis against the No. 14 ranked hometown University of Minnesota. UCLA and Gonzaga are also in the bracket with the winner moving on to the super regionals.
“We played some other big teams early and beat them,” said Wilson. “That gives us confidence. All the pressure is on them (as hosts).”
Canisius heads to the tourney for the third time in school history and is riding an eight-game winning streak. The Golden Griffins (35-20) have never clashed with the Golden Gophers (41-13).
Wilson played minor baseball in Cambridge and with the Ontario Terriers travelling club growing up. Last summer, he suited up for the Intercounty Baseball League’s Hamilton Cardinals.
Playing pro has always been the slugger’s dream.
And Wilson’s stellar season has him hopeful for this year’s Major League Baseball 40-round draft, which runs Monday to Wednesday.
“There has definitely been some interest from a few teams,” he said. “I’m trying not to think about and stay focused on what’s ahead but I’d like to go (in the draft).”