Brian Wilson: "Beasts Will Rise"

So, you're covering the now-National League Champion San Francisco Giants and you're looking for perspective on the postseason and upcoming World Series...who do you circle?

The reliever with a 9.00 ERA that hasn't thrown a pitch since April 12, right?

Probably not.  But when the cat described is closer Brian Wilson...you absolutely do.

Since their championship run two years ago, Wilson (and his beard) have become quite the mouthpiece for the Giants.  And last night's postgame interview with San Francisco's KGO-TV was no different.

Oh, and the question NOT answered, what do you suppose a wet, sweaty Brian Wilson smells like?

Greg Swindell on Brian Wilson: "He is done"

While it isn't yet official that he needs the surgery, Brian Wilson said Sunday that he was leaning toward having another Tommy John surgery on his ailing right elbow.

Wait, another surgery?

That's right, the San Francisco Giants closer went under the knife in 2003 while still in college and while he bounced back from that one...what are the odds of returning after a second such operation?

Well...that's a beard of a different color and it has many voicing their opinions.

And Monday night, former big league pitcher Greg Swindell hit the Twitters to voice his.

No maybe he will shave the beard and crawl into his shell. No way prob will make him feel more important. Which he is not. He is done. DONE

Now, I'm not sure what the one-time All-Star is basing his diagnosis on, considering he never had the surgery, but at least Wilson is a little more optimistic.

"It’s the mental part that can be overbearing, but you know what? I’ve done it once. Do it again. That’s the case," Wilson told reporters Sunday.

Something tells me this story is long from over...and that Wilson will keep his now-signature black beard.

Brian Wilson Has a Message for You

I'm not sure what evidence there was to support this previously, but I'm pretty sure Brian Wilson is officially turning his body into a college dorm room.

Yup, the San Francisco Giants closer now has a tattoo of Johnny Cash flipping the bid on his calf.  You know the picture...it's hanging on the wall of every rebelous hipster across the country.

Sure, it's said to be "in remarkable detail", but c'mon B-Weez, mix in a t-shirt or a poster...there's no reason to get Cash's finger flippage put on your body.

And now, a quick history lesson about Wilson's new ink.

The photo itself was shot during a soundcheck at Cash's iconic 1970 concert at California’s San Quentin prison by photographer Jim Marshall.  The pose was the result of Cash’s response to the request “John, let’s do a shot for the warden”.

Okay, okay...maybe the tattoo is a little awesome.

Brian Wilson to Open a Bowling Alley

Remember last year at this time when it seemed like around every corner lurked a new and different endorsement deal involving Brian Wilson?

Of course you do.

Thankfully, for some, it hasn't ended.  Apparently, the San Francisco Giants closer is partnering with Lucky Strike to open up a bowling alley across the street from AT&T Park.  And becuase the future failed business venture won't be named after The Bearded One (there are a bunch of other Lucky Strikes out there)...they're renaming one of the lanes.

Cue the outdated Big Lebowski reference!

"I am pumped to be in the Lucky Strike mix and am honored that lane 12 will be renamed lane 38," Wilson said about the partnership. "I love that number, and I expect to roll many massive strikes on that lane. See you there. The Dude abides."

Lucky Strike won't be your typical bowling alley though.  Nope...this joint is a 21-and-up spot that will feature a 40-foot bar, leather sofas, antique chessboards, a photo booth and artwork on the walls.

Oh, and according to their website...a dress code?

• Athletic wear of any kind including shorts, jerseys, sweats and hoodies
• Excessively baggy clothing (Tuck-ins not permitted)
• Work boots (Seasonal exceptions)
• Headgear (Exceptions for ball caps and stylish hats)

So, basically, you've got a bowling alley across the street from where the Giants play, co-owned by, arguably, the most popular member of the team that won't allow fans to hit the lanes wearing what fans wear?!?

Lucky Strike opens March 9.

Is the Sergio Romo Bobblehead Too Dark?

Typically if you were to ask yourself what is better, a gnome or a bobblehead...you're going to say "gnome" every time.

Well, on this...I'm torn.

You see, when the San Francisco Giants announced they were doing a Brian Wilson Garden Gnome night, I got excited.  But, have you seen the Sergio Romo bobblehead?

In a word...it's awesome.  And I'd love to be by the Bay May 5 when they give them out prior to the Giants taking on the Milwaukee Brewers.

But, there's one problem.  Dude is a little dark.  And it's something the reliever himself has noticed.

Well im super stoked bout gettin a bobblehead this year! take it everyone thinks its too dark of a skintone? I do! Lol

I guess we'll see if the Giants give the Romo bobblehead the Sammy Sosa skin whitening treatment when it gets unveiled to the fans on the Cinco de Mayo.

Behold...the Brian Wilson Gnome!

Remember back in November when the San Francisco Giants announced plans to have a Brian Wilson Gnome night?

Well, on Thursday, the team showed it off via Twitter.

My guess is that the team is praying their colorful closer doesn't decide to shave anytime soon.

So, yeah, on May 20, be one of the first 20,000 fans to see the Giants take on the Oakland A's and get your gnome.  Or, naturally, you wait a day and "Get Heeem" on eBay.

Brian Wilson Garden Gnomes?

You know the endless stories of the baseball teams that schedule bobblehead nights prior to the season and, then, when that date finally rolls around...the player immortalized in ceramic is no longer with the club?

I'm guessing the San Francisco Giants are hoping closer Brian Wilson doesn't decide to shave anytime soon.

Why?

When the 2010 World Champs square off against the Oakland A's May 20...they're giving away Brian Wilson garden gnomes to the first 20,000 fans.

While the promo item isn't original to the Giants (the Hagerstown Sun immortalized one of their favorite, um, sons last season)...it is one of the better ones.

Also up for grabs to those planning on hitting AT&T park this upcoming season...Sergio Romo, Pablo Sandoval and Madison Bumgarner bobbleheads, superhero capes, welcome mats and "Texting Gloves".

So, yeah, on May 20, you can your Wilson garden gnome at the park or, naturally, you wait a day later and "Get Heeem" on eBay.

***Props to sfist.com (among others) for making my day.***

Star Wars Day? Really?!?

It wasn't that long ago that I publicly stated that I wanted one of those MC Hammer bobbleheads that the Oakland A's handed out.

Scratch that.

I want the Brian Wilson in Carbonite statue that will be handed out this Sunday at AT&T Park.

Now, I could go on and on talking about the event, but why?  Here's what the San Francisco Giants have to say about it:

Pregame Activities:  A pregame costume contest will take place in Lot D, from 11:00am until 12:30pm. Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the contest. Food and beverage will be available for purchase.

Giveaway Item Detail:  The giveaway item included with the Star Wars special event ticket is "Brian Wilson in Carbonite" statue. The statue is three sided, with one side featuring the iconic Han Solo in carbonite pose featured in "The Empire Strikes Back." A second side features Brian Wilson, in his trademark post-save celebration pose, frozen in carbonite similar to Han. The third side features graphics celebrating the Giants and Star Wars.

Postgame Movie Screening:  The postgame screening of "The Empire Strikes Back" will begin approximately 30-45 minutes after the final out of the game. Seating for the screening will be in the Lower Box sections of the stadium, and will be general admission, first come first serve.

Effing sweet.

And if you can't get to the ballpark...eBay already has some up for bid.  Wait...how exactly does THAT work?

Oh...and if this promotion was, in any way, an attempt by George Lucas to deflect the news of his most recent changes to the Star Wars movies.

Well played, sir.  Well.  Played.

The Brian Wilson Fitness Minute

I've been calling good friend Gar Ryness (aka "Batting Stance Guy") the "Weird Al" Yankovic of baseball for sometime now.

Tuesday, to celebrate the release of Yankovic's most recent opus "Alpocalypse"...I hit the Twitters to remind everyone of Batting Stance Guy's picks for the five best "Weird Al" tunes.

Today...dude poses the question "what if Giants closer Brian Wilson had his own workout show?" Thankfully...he's got the answer!

Fact.

The Brian Wilson Show: Episode 1

If Max Patkin was the "Clown Prince of Baseball"...Gar Ryness (aka "Batting Stance Guy") is, easily, its "Weird Al".

I got en email this morning (way early, too...does dude ever sleep?), and this is what it said:

MLBNetwork asked me what a Brian Wilson Late Nite TV Talk show would look like. Here's my answer.

Getting back to the top, given Gar's recent successes, should we be calling Yankovic the "Batting Stance Guy of Pop Music"? Anyway...here's his answer.

Fact.

The Giants Win Again!

Is it just me or are the local TV spots for Major League teams getting better?

Earlier this year, the Seattle Mariners broke out this Ichiro gem and a couple of weeks ago, a Minnesota Twins spot with Jim Thome dressed as Paul Bunyan hit the interwebs.

And now this from the San Francisco Giants.

Now, to be fair, the World Champs have one of the game's most visable characters in Brian Wilson...but this spot almost makes the others look like a bad local car ad.

Enjoy!

Twitter Tuesday: Brian Wilson

Monday, TIME magazine revealed their list of the 140 Twitter feeds that are "shaping the conversation".

The list includes actors, musicians, politicians, fictional characters and, among other things, news feeds.  At the top of the list...Lady Gaga, Neil Patrick Harris, Sarah Palin and a host of people I didn't care enough to find out who they were.

Also included...nine athletes.

And of those nine, only one baseball player?  San Francisco Giants closer Brian Patrick Wilson.

According to The San Francisco Chronicle, Wilson ended his previous venture on Twitter in April 2009 after implying he was partying all night. 

The next afternoon, he blew a save opportunity. 

Controversy ensued and Wilson ended up removing all his posts...even thought he claimed his tweets were "made up stories that reflect my humor".

This past February, the bearded one returned.

And 95,000 followers later...he's one of the sports most popular figures in the Twittersphere.  You can follow Brian Wilson at, simply, @brianwilson38...and I suggest you do.

"The Beards back on twitter.....Lets Rage!!!!!!!!"

And with that...San Francisco Giants reliever Brian Wilson is back on Twitter.

This past Wednesday, with the World Series trophy in hand...Wilson reportedly visited Twitter headquarters in San Francisco and activated @BrianWilson38.

Within hours..."The Beard" had 4000 followers.

As of Saturday night, he had surpassed 23,000.

According to The San Francisco Chronicle, Wilson's ended his previous venture on Twitter in April 2009 after implying he was partying all night. 

The next afternoon, he blew a save opportunity.

Controversy ensued and Wilson ended up removing all his posts...even thought he claimed his tweets were "made up stories that reflect my humor".

In between talking to himself, appearing on talkshows and being oblivious to "The Machine" behind him...it'll be interesting to see what Wilson has in store for his followers.

Follow.  Him.  Now.

High five!

Tim Lincecum...Sports Illustrated Cover Boy

Has Brian Wilson's 15 minutes of fame already expired?

Sure, the online effort to get him to host "Saturday Night Live" has grown to more than 75,000 fans across two facebook groups, but when it came to the year-end issue of Sports Illustrated...who was on the cover?

Not Wilson, his beard or "The Machine"...but, rather, team ace Tim Lincecum.

The cover (below) depicts the pitcher, decked out in a tuxedo, red bow tie and "Happy New Year" hat, spraying champagne...a familiar site to San Francisco Giants fans. 

According to the Giants website, the two-time Cy Young Award winner is one of ten athletes featured in a photo essay compiled by famed photographer Walter Iooss Jr., who focused on individuals who provided the most memorable moments of 2010.

This isn't the first time "The Freak" has appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated.  He previously graced the magazine in July 2008.  The righty made the cover of Sports Illustrated for Kids a year later. 

The year-end issue itself hits newsstands today and will more than likely become another keepsake for Giants fans still cherishing their team's World Series triumph over the Texas Rangers.

Talkin' Baseball with Jerry McKune

Yeah, yeah, I know what you're thinking...who the heck is Jerry McKune?

I'll tell you after I ask YOU a question...have you heard about the Facebook campaign to get San Francisco Giants closer Brian Wilson to host "Saturday Night Live"?

Yes?!?

Well, Jerry McKune started that original movement, folks (there have been others pop up since)...and recently, I had the privilege to catch up with the Fresno, California native to find out why.

HOVG: Clearly you have a love for Wilson...is this a recent infatuation with the bearded one or one that has been cultivated over the years?

McKUNE: I was fortunate enough to have watched Wilson a few times during his stay with Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies. I remember him being very kind and affable to the fans even back then, and taking lots of time to talk with kids and sign autographs. This was all before the tats, before the Mohawk, before the beard. In this day and age of the high-priced, egomaniacal world that is professional sports, baseball is the last bastion for the gentleman-athlete. That’s not to say baseball doesn’t have its share of dirt-bags, but pound-for-pound, baseball has more nice guys than any other sport. And there is no nicer guy than Wilson.

HOVG: Alright, we've seen "B-Weezy" in some pretty entertaining interviews with Chris Rose, Jim Rome and, most recently Jay Leno on "The Tonight Show"...why the effort to get Wilson on as the host of "Saturday Night Live"?

McKUNE: First off, pro athletes and SNL go back a long way. In 1977, former Minnesota Viking QB Fran Tarkenton was the first athlete to host. Most recently, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps hosted. There have been some winners, there have been some losers, but I think anyone who has seen Wilson’s extensive collection of on-camera work, he’s comedic gold waiting to happen. After watching his interview on “Rome is Burning” it hit me. Brian Wilson has a similar comedic delivery to SNL All-Star Christopher Walken.

HOVG:  Do you think it will happen?

McKUNE:  I will admit, I think this is a long shot. Wilson doesn’t have the mass-appeal of Betty White. Nor does he have the shock value of being an octogenarian playing a prison gangster. Although some might argue rolling out an obscure reference (“The Machine”) from a fringe film ("8mm") is shockingly entertaining in it’s own right. I also think you have to win over the support of the head honcho at SNL, Lorne Michaels. Ultimately it’s his call, and I get the impression he’s not the kind of guy who will sway to the masses. But my hope is this Facebook campaign gets enough people to notice, and enough people talking about it, and perhaps gets his attention, at least for consideration.

HOVG:  Obviously, your grassroots effort has turned some heads.  Virtually overnight you went from a few hundred followers last week to close to 35,000 today.  Why do you think people are joining the movement?

McKUNE:  Brian Wilson is a nice guy, who is drop-dead hilarious and also, a World Champion. If that isn’t a recipe for a shot at hosting SNL, I’m not sure what is. Underneath the sideshow that is the beard, and snazzy retro clothing lays a true comedic genius.

McKune's efforts have been chronicled by a number of major media outlets (MLB.com and ESPN to name a few) in the last few days and by the looks of the number of Facebook users that have been clicking "Like"...he might have struck a nerve.

So what are you waiting for?  Head on over to the Facebooks and join the movement!

Your move, Lorne Michaels.

Brian Wilson Drops by The Tonight Show

Let's get one thing straight right out of the gate...I hate Jay Leno.

He's not funny.  He's not a good interviewer.  He's just...ugh. 

I'm not a fan.

But then, tonight, I saw that San Francisco closer Brian Wilson was scheduled to appear on "The Tonight Show".  And I was torn. 

Do I watch?  Do I skip it?

I watched.

Wilson delivered...Leno did not. Leno was as terrible as he normally is, whereas Wilson delivered his normal amount of awesome.  They talked about all the normal stuff...Wilson's hair, his shoes and, of course, "The Machine".

And, oh yeah...this happened.



I'm pretty sure Brian Wilson's fifteen minutes won't last for that much longer because, really...how long can a closer milk this fame?  But until it flames out, I'm enjoying the Hell out of the Facebook group to get him to host "Saturday Night Live" and at least two of the pages dedicated to his shoes.

Fear the beard, troops.

Here's Wilson's appearance in its entirety (albeit broken up into two parts).

Brian Wilson Mentions "The Machine" on National Television...Again

So...San Francisco Giants closer referred to "The Machine" in his postgame interview Saturday night and the internet went nuts.

Alright blogosphere, plenty of you are getting to The Hall of Very Good by hitting up "Brian Wilson The Machine" or "C.J. Wilson The Machine" on the Googles and finding the old interview I did with C.J. Wilson and nothing on "The Machine".

Well, as a public service to you all (and thank you for stopping by), I'm posting this video so you know exactly what he was referring to.



Oh...and while you're stopping by, feel free to check out the afore mentioned interview The Hall did with Texas Rangers hurler C.J. Wilson last year and/or his thoughts on the retirement of Ken Griffey Jr. this past June.

Talkin' Baseball with C.J. Wilson

C.J. Wilson Talks "Junior"

Enjoy!