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Anderson inks former Giant Desi Wilson to manage in 2007

November 27, 2006 - South Coast League (SCL)
Anderson Joes News Release


ANDERSON, SC - Some people have a gift, for Desi Wilson, it's hitting. With a career average of .311 and nearly 2000 hits, Wilson will teach the art of hitting to a new generation in Anderson this summer.

"I'm looking forward to this opportunity to manage in Anderson," shared Wilson, who recently retired from a successful playing career of his own. "I've had a lot of coaches that have helped me throughout my career, and I want to teach my players how to play the game right."

Wilson, 37, was born in Glen Cove, NY where he flourished as a two sport athlete. The 6'7" lefty almost didn't play professional baseball as he turned down an offer from the Boston Red Sox out of high school to attend Fairleigh Dickinson University. While with the Knights; he continued to excel both on the diamond and on the basketball court, where he still holds the school's career records for points and rebounds.

In 1991, Desi became the first player ever drafted out of FDU when he was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 30th round. A gifted hitter, Wilson shot up quickly through the Rangers system, and became a hot trade commodity for many clubs. He was eventually packaged along with Rich Aurilia and traded to the San Francisco Giants for pitcher John Burkett in 1994. After dominating pitchers in AA and AAA, the Giants brought him up to the majors in 1996 where he hit .271 in 41 games for the big league club.

"I am absolutely thrilled to have Desi as a part of our managerial staff in the SCL," said VP/Director of Baseball Ops Kash Beauchamp. "He was a consummate professional as a player and Anderson will be proud of the effort he will give to the team and to the community.""

In 1997 he was signed by the Hanshin Tigers of the Japan major leagues and played one season overseas before returning to AAA with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He played the next four seasons in AA and AAA with the Diamondbacks, White Sox and Expos before joining the independent leagues. During his independent baseball career Desi played in the Atlantic League, the Northern League and the Golden Baseball League, never hitting under a .300 average.

In 2005, at the age of 36, he won the Golden Baseball League's MVP as he hit .411 for the season, which was a full 54 points higher than the second best hitter in the league. Wilson also led the league in hits with 125, on-base percentage at .477, and was second in slugging average at .569. This past season, Wilson completed his first year as a Chico Outlaw leading the team in hitting with a .333 average and was selected as a GBL All-Star. Wilson was one of the most prolific hitters in minor league history; as he has compiled 1875 hits and a .311 average over sixteen campaigns, was a perennial all-star, and was named to Baseball America All-Independent League teams.

"Desi has a baseball background that speaks for itself. He will be a great asset to our organization in our inaugural season, both on and off the field," said VP of South Carolina Operations Garrett Ball. "As such a strong baseball town, Anderson will appreciate his passion for and knowledge of the game."

Desi has already taken to his new role with the Anderson club as he selected three draft picks from the first league try-out in Bradenton, FL earlier this month. Speedsters Jared Williams and Millard Dawson along with powerful first baseman Cole Graham look to make an impact in Anderson this summer.

"All three of these young men are extremely talented and will bring a lot of excitement to the ballpark this summer," said Wilson, who sees bright futures for each. "I want to help put that smile on their face when I tell them that a big league club is interested in purchasing their contract."

The South Coast League's inaugural 90-game season opens in May of 2007. The SCL is a six-team based independent professional baseball league located in the Southeastern U.S.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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