Legendary SF Giants closer played unique role in Charlie Sheen meltdown

Former SF Giants closer Brian Wilson has always been a unique guy. Maybe eccentric is a better word. Perhaps insane. That is why it is no surprise that he played a role in Charlie Sheen's infamous meltdown some 15 years ago.

Appearing on a podcast, the actor talked about how Wilson called him and influenced him with some inspirational quotes ahead of that fateful interview he did where he torpedoed his career:

Former SF Giants closer Brian Wilson played a role in Charlie Sheen meltdown

Sheen said: "I was on the phone with [Wilson] a couple days before [the interview]...I think he was just trying to give me a pep talk. He was like, 'Hey man, just know that guys like us, we aren't like everybody else. We're different man, we've got tiger blood running through our veins...We don't know how to lose because we're always WINNING.'"

The "tiger blood" and "winning" catchphrases became part of the public lexicon in 2011 as Sheen was fired from his sitcom Two and a Half Men and became something of a punchline. It seems he is back on the right track now and is promoting a book that goes over all his triumphs and travails.

For those unfamiliar with Brian Wilson, it may seem bizarre that he played a role in Sheen's meltdown. But for those familiar with his antics over the years, whether they involve the Machine or the Sea Captain, it makes complete and perfect sense.

Wilson even flew to visit Sheen during spring training in 2011 to discuss another potential Major League movie. That would have been a real trip to see Wilson and Sheen together in a movie.

For as strange as Wilson was as a player, he was absolutely dominant on the mound and played a huge role in the team's 2010 World Series title. He was on the mound for the final out as he struck out Nelson Cruz and delivered the first World Series title to the Giants since their move to San Francisco so he will always have a special place in the hearts of Giants fans.

Unfortunately, he has apparently sold his two World Series rings from his days with the Giants but wherever he is he surely still has that tiger blood flowing through his veins.

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