Wilson Joins Iowa as Hitting Coach

Desi Wilson joined the Iowa Cubs field staff as hitting coach on Monday. Wilson, 40, was originally headed to Boise (Short A) to be the Hawks' hitting coach. After Von Joshua was named Chicago's hitting coach Sunday, Wilson was tabbed to join the Triple-A Iowa staff.

Wilson begins his second season in the Cubs organization as a hitting coach, a position he held last season with Mesa. He produced a .307 career minor league batting average over 10 seasons and 1,043 games with five organizations (Texas, San Francisco, Arizona, White Sox and Montreal).

In 1996 Wilson appeared in 41 games with the San Francisco Giants, hitting .271 with two home runs and 12 RBI. Wilson was originally drafted by Boston in the 15th round of the 1987 draft but did not sign. He was selected by Houston in the 87th round of the 1989 draft, but did not sign. Then in the 1991 draft, he signed with Texas after he was chosen in the 30th round.

Wilson resides in Gilbert, Ariz., with his wife, Kristi, and their four children: Tayah, Hillary, Rhalee and Desi Jr.