By Nate Allen
Special to the News-Times
FAYETTEVILLE - Directly from the College World Series, Arkansas Razorbacks pitching coach Wes Johnson jumps to the major leagues.
The Minnesota Twins have hired Johnson to coach their pitchers, Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn confirmed Thursday.
Johnson has coached the Razorbacks pitchers the last two years following the retirement of longtime Arkansas pitching coach Dave Jorn.
“I’m excited for him, personally and professionally, and I know this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for him,” Van Horn said Thursday. “I couldn’t be more happy for Wes and his family as they embark on this new journey.”
Pitching helped the 2017 Razorbacks attain a 45-19 record and the Fayetteville Regional final in 2017 and the 48-21 Hogs of last season to win the Fayetteville Regional and Super Regional and finish as the national runner-up at the College World Series in Omaha.
“I can’t say enough about the amazing job Wes has done for our program over the last two years,” Van Horn said.
“I knew Wes was the right fit for our program when I hired him and he brought his passion for the game and for the Razorbacks every single day. Wes’ energy and tireless work ethic was infectious from our players to our staff. I know he had a positive impact on everyone he worked with and every aspect of our program."
A native of Sherwood and graduate of the University of Arkansas-Monticello, Johnson previously was the pitching coach at Dallas Baptist and Mississippi State, including Mississippi State’s 2016 SEC championship team.