In 1947, Terry Wilson relocated with his family from Wichita, Kansas to Joplin, Missouri. That year, his father Norman Wilson moved to Joplin to open a restraint known as Hidden Acres. Wilson was four-sport letterman at Joplin High School. He played on the basketball, baseball, and football teams and ran in several 100 and 220 yard races. Wilson was a member of the first Joplin Eagles baseball team and his 1953 club participated in the Missouri State Championship.
Wilson was a fast, powerful and tough to tackle running back. His outstanding talent as a halfback was recognized as he was selected as a member of the prestigious Wigwam Wiseman All-American team. Following graduation, Wilson received 46 scholarships offers and was pursued by several professional baseball scouts as well. In the end, he decided to take a full scholarship to play for the University of Missouri football team.
Prior to his graduation at MU, he accepted an offer and signed with the Philadelphia Phillies organization. Receiving the maximum bonus of $4,000 Wilson played in the Phillies farm system in the Mississippi-Ohio Valley League, and then one year later in the Appalachian League. He wore (Robin Roberts) hand-me-down uniform. He recalled his experience in the minor leagues as being very memorable and a time when “you played baseball not for the money but for the love of the game.” One fellow player that stood out in his mind during this time was a hard-hitting infielder names Orlando Cepeda.
While attending Joplin High School, Wilson boxed in the Joplin Golden Gloves. He won the light-heavy-weight (175 pound) division by knocking out all three of his opponents. The championship fight was against the United States Army light-heavyweight champion who was training at Camp Crowder for the United States Olympic team.
Also an outstanding golfer, Wilson could play the game either right or left handed. He has four hole-in-ones - - remarkably two right-handed and two left handed.
In addition he was excellent marksman with a rifle. During a one-year period he won two trap shooting competitions in Kansas City and Oklahoma City. The winning prize from each event was a new car. Wilson was president of the Joplin Rifle and Pistol Club for a period of time.
However, his greatest reward in sports came from helping others and the friends he met along his sporting journey. Wilson stated he received his greatest satisfaction by helping the younger boys in Joplin to learn the fundamentals of baseball and football. For many summers he instructed the youth of the area on the finer points of sports and sportsmanship.
The friendships he made through the years brought special meaning to his life. He had many friends that played in professional sports and some of his favorites played for the legendary 1950’s and 1960’s New York Yankees. Wilson still recalls the close ties and captivating conversations he had with his buddies Mickey Mantle, Billy Martin, Ralph Terry, Johnny Blanchard and Whitey Ford.
