Glenn Wilson Named Chillicothe Paints' Field General
Published on February 3, 2005 under Frontier League (FL)
Chillicothe Paints News Release
The Chillicothe Paints' front office has officially announced the hiring of former Major Leaguer, Glenn Wilson, as the Paints' Field Manager and Director of Baseball Operations for the 2005 season.
Wilson, age 46, was the number one pick of the Detroit Tigers in the 1980 amateur draft and made his Major League debut with the Tigers in 1982. He was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1984 and was named to the National League All-Star team in 1985. He belted 14 homeruns and drove in 102 runs during the '85 campaign.
"I am honored to have this opportunity," said Wilson. "I look forward to the challenge of bringing a championship to the community of Chillicothe and, especially, for a fine gentleman like Dr. Hanners. "
"Glenn is the type of person who can help all the young players," said former Cincinnati Reds and Tigers' manager, and Hall of Fame member, Sparky Anderson. "He was a big league player who really had all the tools. He could hit, play center and had a great arm. He's the kind of guy that youngsters can relate to. That's the key. He'll do a great job at Chillicothe and I wish him the best."
Wilson also played for Seattle, Pittsburgh and Houston. After being sidelined for two seasons with a knee injury, Glenn ended his playing career in 1993 with the Pirates.
Another member of the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, former Phillies' great and teammate of Wilson's, Mike Schmidt had the following words to say about the new Paints' manager.
"The baseball fans of Chillicothe are in for a treat," commented Schmidt. "Glenn and I go way back. In fact we're so close, I let him sub for me in the 1985 All-Star game (just kidding)."
"Glenn was one of the best players in the National League during those years. He's loose, fun to be around, and knowledgeable, a combination hard to find. He'll make a great manager for Chillicothe."
When asked why he applied for the Chillicothe job, Wilson responded, "It's professional baseball...it's what I love, it's what I know. Even though I was fortunate enough to play at the highest level, I realize you have to begin somewhere. For some of these young men, this is their beginning. Hopefully, some of them will be able to have their dream come true like I did."
"The greatest feeling a manager can have is when you tell a young player you have signed him to a Major League organization, but winning sure runs a close second."
Wilson has held managerial jobs with the Amarillo Dillas and the Coastal Bend Aviators. His Amarillo ball club posted a league-best 55-33 record in 1997 and landed a berth in the Texas-Louisiana League championship series.
"The brand of baseball that our fans can look forward to will be determined by the talent on the field," noted Glenn. We may be a power team or a team that relies on speed. My dream team, obviously, is a combination of both. I am firm believer that you win with good pitching and defense."
"We are very excited to welcome Glenn to our organization," stated Paints' owner Chris Hanners. "We think he is the right man for the job to usher in a new era of Paints' baseball and I think our fans in Southern Ohio will embrace him and his type of baseball. We feel very fortunate to have someone with Glenn's experience and baseball background."
Wilson, who makes his off-season home in Houston, Texas, is a devoted family man. He has three sons with Kim, his wife of 24 years.
Frontier League Stories from February 3, 2005
- Glenn Wilson Named Chillicothe Paints' Field General - Chillicothe Paints
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.
