Early life

Wilkins was born in Jacksonville, Florida. While growing up, he graduated from The Bolles School where he was a district champ in both baseball and football his senior year of high school in 1985. Received an athletic scholarship from Furman University.

Baseball career

Rick was selected in the 23rd by the Chicago Cubs in the 1986 Major League Baseball Draft. Prior to his call to the big leagues Rick Wilkins was rated the 70th best prospect by Baseball America and at the age of 24 he made his major league debut on June 6, 1991. By 1993 he was named the opening day catcher of the Chicago Cubs where he played in 136 games while posting a batting average .303 and clubbing 30 homeruns along with 76 RBI’s making him the 4th member of the .300/30 club for catchers in Major League Baseball history. Since then 5 more members have made the elusive club. On October 3, 2001 Rick ended his professional playing career going 1 for 1 with 2 RBI’s with the San Diego Padres.

Life Outside Baseball

Rick, in-light of his sister Trish, who was born with cerebral palsy established The Rick Wilkins Foundation in 1999 to provide expanded support of recreational opportunities for the developmentally disabled. Rick is also the owner/president of Rick Wilkins Academy of Baseball which through its mission statement wants to provide a positive, goal-oriented experience, in an environment that is professional, ethical and fun, where people of all ages and abilities can learn life lessons and create lasting memories through the games of baseball and softball.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]