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On this day in 1922 James Alger Wilson was born in San Diego, California. The Red Sox signed him as an amateur free agent in 1943 and Wilson had already pitched for four organizations when the Boston Braves acquired him from the Pacific Coast League's Seattle franchise following the 1950 season.
Wilson followed the Braves to Milwaukee in 1953 and had a breakout year there in 1954, when he posted a 2.70 ERA over 13 first half appearances to make his first All Star team. He also pitched a no-hitter on June 12 of that year. All told, Wilson posted a 4.32 ERA over 100 appearances as a Brave in parts of four seasons and two cities (Boston and Milwaukee).
Wilson returned to Milwaukee following his playing days and served as the Brewers' general manager in 1973 and 1974.
Wilson passed away in 1986, or today would have been his 91st birthday. With help from the B-Ref Play Index, we'd also like to wish a happy birthday to:
- 2012 Brewer Livan Hernandez, who turns 38.
- 2003 Brewer Leo Estrella, who turns 38.
- 1974 Brewer Clyde Wright, who turns 72. We covered his birthday in this space last year.