TAMPA — Russell Wilson has something for those who believe him being in Yankees camp dressed in a uniform and taking part in fielding drills and batting…
TAMPA — Russell Wilson has something for those who believe him being in Yankees camp dressed in a uniform and taking part in fielding drills and batting practice is a publicity stunt: Get to know him.
“They don’t know me,” the Seahawks’ Super Bowl-winning quarterback said Monday at George M. Steinbrenner Field, where he worked on double plays with Didi Gregorius and took batting practice with Gary Sanchez, Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge before a game against the Phillies at night.
“If you really know me, baseball has been part of my blood. It’s been part of who I am and where I have come from and what I have done.’’
Those who believe Wilson in camp is a stunt have ammunition because the Yankees actually allowed actor Billy Crystal to get into a spring training game in 2008.
However, the stunt angle loses air because Wilson, likely on orders from the Seahawks, will not appear in a game and risk being injured.
The Yankees acquired the 29-year-old Wilson from the Rangers this offseason with the thought of having him mingle with their young players and sharing stories of success.
“This is a young team, and we can get his perspective on how he works and his mindset. Things that I think will help,’’ said CC Sabathia, who has met Wilson a few times. “He can help everybody, he can help me for sure.’’
From the Yankees’ perspective, they want Wilson’s leadership and preparation habits to rub off on their club. Yet, it’s a two-way street for Wilson, who appeared in 93 minor league games for the Rockies in 2010-11 after being selected in the fourth round of the 2010 draft out of North Carolina State, where he played second base and quarterback before transferring to Wisconsin.
“The thing I am excited about the most is really learning how the Yankees won 27 world championships. What that takes, the mentality,’’ said Wilson, who grew up a Yankees fan, idolized Derek Jeter and has a grandfather, a lawyer from New York, who dons a Yankees lid every day. “There is an aroma around here I have to figure out, and I can’t wait to learn more about it and use that for my football career.’’
Wilson asked for No. 3 — Babe Ruth’s number — but settled for No. 73. He was No. 7 playing baseball in high school at Collegiate School in Virginia, and he wears No. 3 for the Seahawks.
As for not playing in a game during his stay, which will be over at the end of the week, Wilson sounded like somebody who would trade a Super Bowl ring for an at-bat.
“I definitely love playing and obviously want to get out there. I also don’t want to get in the way and learn as much as I can,’’ Wilson said. “I am ready to go up there if they want me to. I will be ready to swing and hack away and turn some double plays. I am going to get a ton of work and immerse myself in everything they are doing.’’
