Patrick Wisdom is a name that’s been making waves in the MLB recently, but just how much do you really know about his journey to the pros? If you’re a fan of the game, you’ve probably seen his incredible performances and wondered what it took for him to get there. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Wisdom’s journey and uncover ten little-known facts about what it took for him to become a Major League star.
1. He Was Born and Bred in California
Patrick Wisdom was born on August 27, 1991, in Murrieta, California. The Golden State has been a hotbed for MLB talent for decades, so it’s no surprise that Wisdom developed a love for the game at an early age.
2. He Was a Two-Sport Star in High School
Wisdom attended Murrieta Valley High School, where he was a standout athlete in both baseball and football. In his senior year, he earned All-CIF Southern Section honors for both sports and was heavily recruited by collegiate programs across the country.
3. He Found Success Early in College
After turning down offers from several schools, Wisdom decided to attend St. Mary’s College of California. He wasted no time making an impact, earning West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year honors in 2010.
4. He Was Drafted Twice Before Turning Pro
Wisdom’s success at St. Mary’s caught the attention of MLB teams, and he was drafted twice before finally signing with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2012. The Texas Rangers selected him in the 16th round in 2010, and the Cardinals followed suit in the supplemental first round in 2011.
5. He Had a Slow Start to His Minor League Career
Despite being drafted in the first round, Wisdom struggled early in his minor league career. He hit just .282 in his first full season with the Cardinals’ Class A affiliate in Peoria, Illinois, and saw his power numbers drop off significantly.
6. He Made Adjustments to His Swing
To address his hitting woes, Wisdom made some changes to his swing mechanics and approach at the plate. He began to focus on driving the ball to right-center field and worked on being more selective with his pitches.
7. He Had a Breakout Season in 2017
The changes to his swing paid off in a big way in 2017. Wisdom hit 31 home runs and drove in 89 runs for the Cardinals’ Triple-A affiliate in Memphis, earning him Pacific Coast League MVP honors.
8. He Traveled the Country Before Finally Reaching the Majors
After his breakout season in Triple-A, Wisdom spent time with several different organizations before finally getting his shot in the big leagues. He was traded twice (to the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners) and had brief stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs before finding a home with the Texas Rangers in 2020.
9. He Made the Most of His Opportunity with the Rangers
Wisdom was called up by the Rangers in 2020 and quickly made an impact. He hit six home runs in just 25 games and earned praise from his teammates and coaches for his work ethic and attitude.
10. He Became a Household Name in 2021
Wisdom’s success with the Rangers earned him a spot on the Chicago Cubs’ roster in 2021. He made headlines by hitting eight home runs in his first 70 at-bats with the team, including some monster shots that landed him on several highlight reels.
In conclusion, Patrick Wisdom’s journey to the MLB was filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. From his early success in high school and college to his struggles in the minor leagues and journeyman status at the Major League level, Wisdom has persevered and worked tirelessly to achieve his dream. With his new-found success in the big leagues, it’s clear that he’s just getting started and has a bright future ahead of him.
