GRANITE CITY — Granite City rising senior infielder Ben Wilson, who scored the first run in the history of newly refurbished Babe Champion Field on March 18, 2026, in a season-opening 2-1 win over Waterloo Gibault Catholic, has been named the Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of the Month for Granite City.
Wilson made history when he crossed the plate on an RBI single by Andrew Willadredt in the opener at the new ballpark. After the game, Wilson said he was honored to be part of the moment.
“Yes, it felt great,” Wilson said. “It was a good way to start the season.”
Wilson also delivered one of his strongest performances of the season in March 2026 at Roxana, going 2 for 3 with a run scored.
The Warriors finished 15-15 in 2026. Wilson said defense, teamwork, and the team’s approach at the plate were central to Granite City’s season, including a win over Decatur MacArthur in the regional play-in game at Granite City and a narrow 1-0 loss to highly touted Edwardsville in the regional semifinal.
“Defense, working together, and putting balls in play were the keys all season,” Wilson said.
He also credited the team’s pitching throughout the year.
“It was a good team effort,” Wilson said of the 2026 campaign, with “we played well defensively and had good pitching all around.”
Looking ahead to 2027, Wilson said he and the baseball Warriors expect more.
“We expect to have a winning record,” Wilson said, “and we’re hoping to keep this bus rolling.”
Wilson also praised Babe Champion Field, which features a new layout and an all-turf surface.
“Oh, I love it,” Wilson said. “It’s super nice. We’re very privileged to have it.”
“We have one of the nicest complexes in the area,” Wilson said, “and we’re really lucky to have it, and good people to help us use it. We are ready to go.”
After a .500 finish in 2026, Wilson said the Warriors are aiming for more wins next season.
