TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Springdale's Vance Wilson Signs with Royals

Published on January 7, 2009 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


Springdale, AR - The Kansas City Royals announced this afternoon that they have signed Major League veteran backstop and Springdale resident Vance Wilson to a minor league contract.

The 35-year old Wilson, who has spent the past four seasons under contract with the Detroit Tigers, is recovering from two Tommy John surgeries on his right (throwing) elbow, and has not appeared in a Major League game since the 2006 playoffs. Though Wilson's ultimate goal is to make a return trip to the big leagues, he is expected to rehab with the Naturals starting in spring training and will return to action as a catcher on the Naturals roster once healthy.

"To have an opportunity to play for your hometown team is truly a dream come true," said Wilson on the subject of taking the field at Arvest Ballpark, minutes from his home where he resides with his wife, Bridget, and daughter, Peyton.

Celebrated in the local community for his charitable work through his own Wilson's 3 Foundation, Vance Wilson is a veteran of eight major league seasons and is a career .250 hitter. Prior to his injury during spring training in 2007, his defensive skills and leadership had earned him a two-year contract from the Tigers, with whom he had posted career numbers during their 2006 American League Championship season. He batted .283 with five homers and 18 RBI in 152 at-bats as the primary backup to Ivan Rodriguez, forming one of the league's strongest catching tandems.

Wilson's last appearance with a Double-A club was in 1997 with the Eastern League's Binghamton Mets. It was a career season that saw him club 15 homers and 40 RBI and bat .276.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and will open the home portion of their 2009 season on Thursday, April 16th against the San Antonio Missions. For season ticket packages please call (479) 927-4900 or visit nwanaturals.com. There are only 99 days until the 2009 Home Opener!

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Texas League Stories from January 7, 2009


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