Cary, N.C. – Jack Wilson is no stranger to Cary, North Carolina. In fact, the former big leaguer has already lived the unique rhythm of the USA Baseball National Team Training Camp—first in 2021, then again in 2022. This summer, he returns to the National Training Complex, this time at the helm of Team Stars, bringing with him not only a wealth of experience but also a deep understanding of what it means to wear the red, white, and blue.
For Wilson, coaching in this environment is more than just another stop on the baseball calendar. It’s a chance to revisit the game through a different lens—one that blends teaching, learning, and inspiring the next wave of players. Wilson took the opportunity to be a part of “Touching Base” to give his perspective on what it has been like to be back in Cary.
Question: Getting the call in 2021 to be a part of Training Camp, what was that feeling like for you?
Answer: It was really special. As a coach of high school players, this is the top of the top, and a beautiful place like this. That first one in 2019 in Fullerton, California, with the Trials, being able to come back after COVID, and be a part of this at the beginning was really special. This place is an amazing place to watch the future of the game.
Q: You have been a part of Training Camp twice. Now that you are back in 2025, how have those experiences in the past helped you to where you are now in 2025?
A: I think you just get a feel for what USA Baseball is all about. It’s a chance to gather the best young talent, but at the same time to be able to represent your country and go win baseball games and medals. I think that’s the direction of saying we are the best in the world at what we do, and we strive to compete to get to that level year in and year out. It’s amazing to see these young players get here and come together, and get a chance to represent the United States, but also to go out and win and bring home gold medals.
Q: When you got told that you were going to be leading Team Stars, what was that feeling like?
A: I love coming here, because not only do we get to watch these young players, but it’s also being around players that I played against, and other coaches that I know, that when I leave here, I’m going to be a better coach. I’m going to learn a lot here, so it’s exciting to get the chance, but also to be a manager and to talk to the staff, and how they like to run things, because every team is different. Every team has different characteristics of what they’re trying to do. My job is to reflect what Coach Eckstein wants for this year’s national team, so I get to do that as a manager, which is really cool.
Q: You coached in the Appalachian League this past summer. What is your approach to coaching?
A: Just to enjoy the game of baseball. It’s hard. I love the college level; I think it is a type of game that still plays like it did when I was playing with hit-and-runs, bunts to get a runner over, that type of stuff. My philosophy is to work hard and teach as much as I can to build better men and then better baseball players, while making it an enjoyable experience. It’s an amazing game, it’s our game, and as a coach, I want it to be hard work, but I want them to really enjoy themselves.
Q: Your son, Jacob, is a Collegiate National Team alum. What has it been like being able to coach for the same organization that your son got the chance to play for?
A: It’s great, he was on the Collegiate National Team, and they brought home bronze, and that same year we brought home gold, so remind him of that every now and then. It’s amazing that we both have had a chance to wear the jersey in different aspects, as a player and as a coach. That’s the centerpiece of our home, in both of our rooms, that USA jersey, no matter all the other jerseys that we have and other accomplishments, that USA jersey is right there in the middle. It’s such an honor to be a part of this.
