PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates filled the final vacancy in the Major League coaching staff on Friday, naming Perry Hill as the team's first-base coach for 2009.

Hill, a highly regarded infield instructor, had been coveted by the Pirates last offseason when manager John Russell brought in his field staff. However, for reasons not detailed, Hill declined the offer to join the organization.

That didn't stop general manager Neal Huntington and Russell from going after Hill again this fall after first-base coach Lou Frazier was dismissed at the end of the season. And this time, Hill accepted the position.

"We are very pleased to add Perry Hill to our Major League coaching staff," Huntington said in a statement on Friday. "Perry is well respected and widely regarded as one of the best infield instructors in professional baseball, and his track record of teaching infield defense is second to none. His teaching abilities and 23 years of coaching experience will have a positive impact on our Major League players, coaching staff and our player development system."

Fittingly, Hill will serve as the team's infield instructor in addition to his duties as a first-base coach.

The 56-year-old Hill has 14 years of Major League coaching experience combined with the Rangers, Expos, Marlins and Tigers. His most recent position was with Florida, where he served as the Marlins' first-base coach and infield instructor. During his tenure there, four different Florida infielders earned Gold Glove awards.

Hill has also coached third base at the Major League level.

With Friday's hiring announcement, the Pirates have now filled the organization's two open Major League coaching spots. Joe Kerrigan was hired as the team's next pitching coach on Oct. 20.