Why Rox coach wanted to be Georgia's governor

This story was excerpted from Thomas Harding's Rockies Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

ATLANTA -- Outside of baseball, first-year Rockies Minor League hitting coordinator Nic Wilson’s passion is public policy.

Wilson speaks with pride that his grandmother, Elizabeth Wilson, was the first Black and female mayor of his hometown, Decatur, Ga. His mother ran for statewide office and has been on school boards. The family is constantly consuming news and discussing how to “help people and bring about some major change.”

It all sparked a youthful dream.

“I wanted to be governor of Georgia,” Nic Wilson said. “I’m not sure that’s still a possibility. At this point in time, I’m very happy being a baseball coach.”

Wilson’s love of learning led to his current job. Selected by the Rays in the 24th round of the 2014 MLB Draft, Wilson played two seasons in the Minors and two more years in independent ball. He was still a player when he finished his political science degree.

After one of Wilson’s college coaches became head coach at Eastern Kentucky, he brought Wilson on as a graduate assistant while he earned a master’s degree in sports science. Wilson joined the Rockies organization five years ago, earning his current post when Darin Everson left to coach the Mets’ Double-A Binghamton affiliate before the start of this season.

Wilson travels around during the season to visit Colorado’s various affiliates, but the Rockies’ trip to Atlanta allowed him to be at home and meet with the Major League staff.

All his disciplines come into play as a coach. Wilson is well-schooled in mechanics and analytics, and he builds relationships to serve players. Rookie shortstop Ezequiel Tovar was one of his pupils, as the bulk of the Single-A Fresno teams Wilson worked with were dotted with the top position-player prospects.

His experience has led him to develop some positive language about offensive philosophy. For example, he often compliments players who “accept walks,” rather than “avoid strikeouts.”

“We believe that walks are thrown -- pitchers throw balls that are outside of the zone, and it’s on us to accept,” said Wilson. “In terms of strikeouts, I just think we really believe in our approach. Each guy has unique things about his approach that make him good. But that is built on being ready to do damage on pitches that are in the zone and being able to stop on balls that are not.”

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