NY Gremlins Lose All World Star Travis Wilson for 2010 ISC Tournament
Royals send fourth coach to Idaho Falls
The Kansas City Royals have announced that Travis Wilson will join the Idaho Falls Chukars coaching staff as a fourth coach. This marks the first time since Idaho Falls became an affiliate of Kansas City in 2004 that the Royals have sent four coaches to the Chukars.
Royals Director of Minor League Operations Scott Sharp told the Chukars “the decision was not necessarily to send Idaho Falls a fourth coach, but to get Travis into the organization and it just happened to fit best there.”
With the role being a new one for the Chukars’ coaching staff, Wilson will have dual responsibilities. Before games, Wilson will be on the field and in the clubhouse with the rest of the coaches working with the players. During games, Wilson will scout the opposing team each night from the stands.
Wilson, a native of Christchurch, New Zealand, started his playing career on a softball diamond, eventually playing for the New Zealand Black Sox in international competition. After playing a key role for the 1996 World Championship Black Sox team, Wilson made the switch to both baseball and the United States by signing with the Atlanta Braves. Wilson played in the Braves organization for eight years, including 357 Triple-A games, but never made it to the Major Leagues.
Once Wilson’s baseball career ended, he returned to New Zealand to play softball and coach cricket. More recently, Wilson had been living in Chattanooga, Tenn., with his wife before accepting a job with the Kansas City Royals organization this spring.
Wilson will arrive in Idaho Falls, along with the other coaches and the players, in time for the first practice on June 18. The Home Opener against the Pioneer League defending champion Orem Owlz is just a few days later on June 21.
Editor’s note: Gain for KC Royals, loss to the # 4 ranked NY Gremlins, who had Travis Wilson on their roster for the upcoming 2010 ISC World Tournament. The Gremlins wish Travis great success in his new endeavor.