Rock Wilson
Class of 2005
David Lee “Rock” Wilson’s nickname came not from the diamond but from a childhood misadventure—throwing a rock through a car windshield. The name stuck, and soon it was associated with something much more positive: baseball excellence.
Wilson credited his father for his early development, recalling countless hours of batting practice at Oak Park. That work ethic propelled him to a standout career at Lee High School, where he made the all-city team three times, was twice all-state, and earned city MVP honors in 1983. That year, he signed with Auburn University on a baseball scholarship.
As a freshman in 1984, Wilson made the All-SEC Freshman Team as a shortstop and was named Auburn’s MVP—an honor he repeated as a senior. His combination of defensive range, quick hands, and a dependable bat made him indispensable. Off the field, he excelled academically, earning All-SEC Academic honors three times and Academic All-American recognition as a senior.
In 1987 he graduated with a degree in marketing and was drafted by the Oakland Athletics. Wilson played in the Athletics’ system through 1988, with his parents faithfully traveling to games across the country. From Auburn to Baton Rouge to Gainesville, and even to Medford, Oregon, and Madison, Wisconsin, they were always there—something Wilson says was vital to his success.
After baseball, Wilson built a career in sales while remaining active in the community. His journey reflects the combination of talent, discipline, and family support that produces not just a great athlete, but a well-rounded person. The kid who once hid in the bushes with a rock grew into a man whose name now stands for hard work, achievement, and gratitude.
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