Brian Wilson and His Beard Destined To Be the Next Video Game Cover Athlete?

For the past two seasons, squeaky-clean cover boy Joe Mauer has been the face of the PlayStation franchise MLB: The Show. I am pretty certain that Mauer will not appear on the cover for an unprecedented third straight year. Derek Jeter was the face of the 2K Sports baseball franchise for three seasons, but with injuries and some unruly criticism, Mauer’s ride appears to be done. 

There has been a multitude of stars all over the baseball game scene in recent years. David Ortiz, David Wright, Dustin Pedroia, Jason Giambi, Derek Jeter, Jose Reyes, Tim Linecum, Evan Longoria and Roy Halladay—all are gifted at their craft and at one point in time were considered the best at their position or the game.

Brian Wilson, closer for the reigning World Champion San Francisco Giants, has to be the odds-on-favourite to take the spotlight next season for at least one of them for next year's installment. The MLB 2K Sports baseball franchise looks like the front-runner as Wilson has been featured on a few trailers featuring "digital me."

His lights-out performance in the 2010 playoffs has taken a backseat to his facial hair. “Fear the Beard” is running wild as his alter ego has taken on a life of its own. Cameos in commercials for 2K Sports and ESPN, as well as appearances on Jim Rome is Burning and the George Lopez show, have done nothing but elevate his personality in popularity. 

Wilson, one of the best in game right now at what he does, clearly is enjoying the game and not taking his superstardom too seriously. At the same time he has opened the eyes of many to the game. When was the last time someone not named Jeter has created this much buzz in the baseball word?

There are rumours claiming baseball is losing its fans. I beg to differ. Attendance is nearly identical to this time last year (thank you Baseball-Reference), and no one created more buzz at this year’s ESPY’s than Wilson did with his weird/creepy spandex outfit. 

For someone who appears to completely out of his mind may be smarter than we know. With all the hype and humour, gracing the cover of a baseball game is the least that could happen.

Devon is the founder of The GM’s Perspective

Devon is a former professional baseball player with the River City Rascals and Gateway Grizzlies, and is now an independent scout.