Rangers Select Wilson in Rule 5 Draft

SPOKANE, Wash. - With the 24th overall pick in the MLB Rule 5 Draft, the Texas Rangers selected second baseman Russell Wilson. Yes, the same Russell Wilson who has currently led the Seattle Seahawks to an 11-2 record, and has nearly sealed home-field advantage in the NFL Playoffs.

Wilson was originally drafted in the 4th round of the MLB Draft by the Colorado Rockies, and played in the Northwest League as the Tri-City Dust Devils' everyday second baseman. In the confines of Avista Stadium, Wilson collected two hits and one double as a lead-off hitter, but failed to walk off the field with a victory.

Now he has another chance to earn that illusive victory (and many more!) while playing on Avista Stadium's Northwest League Field of the Year. Here are 10 reasons why Russell Wilson would love playing second base for the Spokane Indians:

1. He gets to be part of a community that LOVES its Minor League sports (and the Seahawks).
2. Friday night Poker Nights are infinitely more fun with OTTO the Mascot.
3. His locker is ready to go!
4. All-You-Can-Eat hot dogs!
5. He would get to see Fireworks EIGHT different times next summer.
6. Nobody will ever talk about that "supposed" height disadvantage.
7. The San Francisco 49ers don't play baseball.
8. He just may become Tim Hulett's favorite player. (Who wouldn't want that?)
9. He would start off his Spokane career by throwing out the first pitch on Opening Night!
10. He looks GREAT in red:

Either way, the Rangers drafted Wilson for who he is as a person, and what he could possibly do for the organization.

"We talk to our scouts about the makeup we want of our players and the work ethic it takes to win, and Russell Wilson has been an example of that," said Rangers GM Jon Daniels. "He has off-the-charts character and focus."

Wilson has already received an invite to Spring Training, and has shown interest in participating. Only time will tell, though, if the Seahawks quarterback opts to become the world's next dual-sport athlete.

The Spokane Indians open the 2014 regular season on Friday, June 13th at Avista Stadium against the Eugene Emeralds.

The Spokane Indians would like to thank all of our fans for their support during the record-setting 2013 season. The Indians are the Short Season Class "A" affiliate for the Texas Rangers. Ticket packages are on sale now for the 2014 season, and start as low as $63. Click here for the 2014 schedule. Reserve your seats today by calling the Avista Stadium Ticket Office at (509) 343-OTTO (6886).