 After graduating from Northview High School (Covina, California), Wilfong started his pro career in 1973 with the Twins organization.He made his big-league debut in 1977 and was with the Twins until a trade sent him to the Angels in 1982, reuniting Wilfong with his first Major League manager, Gene Mauch.Wilfong helped the Angels win the American League West Division in 1982 and 1986.