Athletics' Jacob Wilson Celebrates Family Legacy and Strong 2025 Season at PNC Park

Oakland Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson returned to PNC Park on Friday, September 19, 2025, for an emotional moment, reversing a childhood tradition by catching the first pitch from his father, Jack Wilson. Nearly two decades prior, his father, then a Pirates shortstop, had caught Jacob's first pitch as a four-year-old. Despite going 0-for-4 in the Athletics' 4-3 victory against the Pirates, the 23-year-old Wilson is enjoying a successful 2025 season, slashing .317/.360/.451 from his premium defensive position. Drafted sixth overall in 2023 and making his MLB debut last season, Wilson, alongside Rookie of the Year frontrunner Nick Kurtz, is a key source of optimism for the transitioning Athletics and is projected to be a central piece when the team relocates to Las Vegas.