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The way Matt (Tugboat) Wilkinson tells it, he earned his nickname in Little League because “I wasn’t too fast around the bases growing up.”
A dozen years later, Tugboat is setting sail to his Major League Baseball pitching debut with San Francisco after being called up from the club’s triple-A farm team and announced as the Giants starting pitcher Wednesday against the Guardians in Cleveland.
Jeff Duda, who coached the left-hander from Ladner, B.C., for three years at the Okotoks Dawgs Academy in Alberta, received the exciting news straight from the horse’s mouth in a late night phone call on Sunday.
“Tugs just goes, ‘Dudes, I got called up.’ And I was like, ‘What?’ because I was half asleep at the time. And he says, ‘I’m going to the show!’ You could hear the shock in his voice, and the excitment at the same time,” said Duda.
Wilkinson, seen here pitching for Canadian champion White Rock Little League at the 2015 Little League World Series, was already making his mark on the mound as a 12-year-old. (Matt Slocum/The Associated Press)
Wilkinson’s pitching prowess first garnered attention at age 12 when he led White Rock to the 2015 Canadian Little League title, advancing to the Little League World Series where he struck out 16 batters in Canada’s opening game in Williamsport, Pa.
He returned to the international spotlight earlier this year at the World Baseball Classic, throwing 2.2 scoreless innings and striking out heavy hitters Cal Raleigh and Bryce Harper in Canada’s historic quarterfinal appearance against the USA.
At 6-1 and 250 pounds, he may not possess the classic frame of a major-league pitcher. But according to his former coach, Tugboat’s desire to improve and compete more than makes up for it.
“He has this burning desire to beat you,” said Duda.
“He’s a bigger guy, not your typical build for a pitcher, but his makeup is off the charts. He’s worked hard to get his body in the best shape he’s ever been in this last off-season, and actually each year he’s been in pro ball.”
Wilkinson says he earned the nickname ‘Tugboat’ in Little League because he wasn’t the swiftest base runner. (submitted by Jace Tillman/Frozen Frame Media/Sacramento River Cats)
In 2023, Wilkinson was selected by the Cleveland Guardians in the 10th round of the MLB draft. He was traded to the Giants this past May and will now face his former organization in his big league coming out party.
In 20 minor league starts this season he’s posted 96 strikeouts in 90 innings, giving up just 59 hits with a 3.40 ERA.
Back in Canada, Tugboat fans can’t wait to cheer on his latest career move.
“It’s really cool to see him get to the highest level possible and showcase his skill set and personality,” said Jordan Broatch, director of baseball operations and player development with the White Rock South Surrey Baseball Association, formerly White Rock Little League.
“He’s always had an ability to showcase himself well. He’s always played above any tier he’s been at and always been a dominant force on the mound.”
“I’ve always said it’s just going to take somebody to give him a chance and he’s going to pitch his way to the big leagues,” said Duda. “And that’s exactly what he did.”