Jan. 23, 2007
IOWA CITY – The University of Iowa baseball team named former player Kris Welker as the team’s volunteer assistant coach today. He replaces Chris Maliszewski, who took a job as an assistant coach at Valparaiso.
With the Hawkeyes, Welker will be work with the catchers and outfielder, prepare scouting reports and coach first base.
“We are very excited to have Kris back in the Iowa baseball program,” Iowa Head Coach Jack Dahm said. “He was instrumental in building the foundation during our first two years here, and he will continue that as a coach. He has all the attributes needed to be an outstanding college coach – knowledge, leadership and a passion for the game.”
As a player, Welker was a key member of the Hawkeyes in 2004 and 2005. Welker earned third team all-Big Ten honors as a senior and helped Iowa to a third-place finish in the Big Ten and a trip to the conference tournament. He led the team with a .354 batting average, 46 RBIs and 16 doubles, and was named the Bob Oldis, Jr. Team MVP.
During his junior campaign, Welker set an Iowa record with 16 hit-by-pitch. He also led the team with 35 runs scored.
In 2005, Welker was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 41st round and played two seasons in their organization.