Vance Wilson will return for his fourth season as manager of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, the Kansas City Royals announced Tuesday.
The 43-year-old Wilson guided the Naturals, the Royals' Double-A affiliate, to two consecutive appearances in the Texas League Championship Series. He will be joined again by pitching coach Steve Luebber. The Joplin, Mo., native became Northwest Arkansas' pitching coach a year ago. Former Major Leaguer Leon Roberts will be the Naturals' hitting coach, after Brian Buchanan, who served in that capacity last season, was promoted to assistant hitting coach for the Royals.
The Naturals will host a Hot Stove Luncheon at noon Monday at the Holiday Inn in Springdale. Wilson and Kansas City Royals assistant general manager Scott Sharp will be on hand to answer questions. Northwest Arkansas will open the season at home April 6 against San Antonio.
-- Paul Boyd • @NWAPaulB
Sports on 01/11/2017