Wikipedia

Vernon Wells

This article is about the Major League Baseball player. For the Australian actor, seeVernon Wells (actor).

Vernon Wells III(born December 8, 1978) is an American formerprofessional baseballcenter fielder.He played inMajor League Baseball(MLB) for theToronto Blue Jays,theLos Angeles Angels of Anaheim,and theNew York Yankees.

Vernon Wells
Wells with the New York Yankees in 2013
Center fielder
Born:(1978-12-08)December 8, 1978(age 45)
Shreveport, Louisiana,U.S.
Batted:Right
Threw:Right
MLB debut
August 30, 1999, for the Toronto Blue Jays
Last MLB appearance
September 29, 2013, for the New York Yankees
MLB statistics
Batting average.270
Home runs270
Runs batted in958
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Wells has appeared on threeAll-Starteams in his career, been awarded threeGold Glove Awards,and oneSilver Slugger Award.[1]He is second all-time for the Blue Jays in career hits, doubles, runs, RBI and total bases, and fourth in home runs, behindCarlos Delgado,José Bautista,andEdwin Encarnación.[2]

Early years

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Wells was born inShreveport, Louisiana,to Vernon Wells, Jr. and grew up inArlington, Texas,where his family moved in 1988. His father played in theCanadian Football Leagueand is an accomplished painter. In 1993, Wells entered Arlington'sBowie High Schoolwhere he played quarterback on the football team and was anoutfielderon the baseball team. In his senior year, hebatted.565 with sevenhome runsand 20runs batted in(RBI). Before entering theMajor League Baseball Draft,Wells signed a letter of intent to attend theUniversity of Texas at Austinto play baseball and football (as a wide receiver).[3]

Early career

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TheToronto Blue Jaysmade Wells the fifth pick overall in the1997 MLB draftout ofBowie High School.[4]He spent several years as a top prospect in the Blue Jays organization, starting with theSt. Catharines Stompers,Toronto's Class-A team in the short-seasonNew York–Penn League.In 1998, he played for theHagerstown Sunsand was selected as the Utility Outfielder on theSouth Atlantic LeagueEnd of Season All-Star Team. In 1999, he played in theAustralian Baseball Leaguewith theSydney Storm.[5]From 1999 through 2001, Wells was a regularSeptember call-upand played in 57 major league games.[4]

Major League career

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Toronto Blue Jays (1999–2010)

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In2002,Wells was given his first chance to be an everyday player. Although disqualified fromRookie of the Yearcontention because he had exceeded the 130 career at-bat limit to qualify as a rookie (the award went to teammateEric Hinske), Wells proved himself to be one of the game's rising stars. Hebatted.275 with 23home runs,100RBIand 87runswhile becoming one of the best defensive center fielders in the game.[4]

In2003,Wells' finished the season with a.317 batting average, 33 home runs, 117 RBI and 118 runs.[4]He led the league with 215 hits, 49doubles,and 373total basesand finished eighth inAmerican LeagueMVP voting.[4]He also participated in his firstAll-Star game.He won the AL co-player of the week for the first time on June 23, 2003, sharing the honor withCorey Koskie.[6]Wells won his firstGold Glove Awardin2004,and a second in2005.[4]

Wells began the2006season on a torrid pace, and continued to hit well throughout the year, ending the season with a.303 batting average, 32 home runs, and 106 runs batted in.[4]Wells' year was capped by a game against theBoston Red Soxon May 30 in which he hit three home runs, with two coming off of Red Sox starterJosh Beckett.[7]He won the AL player of the week honor on July 24.[8] Wells was selected as a reserve outfielder on the American LeagueAll-Star Teamand was promoted to the League's starting lineup after an injury to Boston'sManny Ramírez.It was his second appearance in the mid-summer classic.

During the season,Blue Jaysgeneral managerJ.P. Ricciardicriticized Wells, as well as teammatesTroy GlausandShea Hillenbrand,for failure to perform during key situations after two losses to theKansas City Royalsjust before the 2006 All-Star break.[9]He followed such criticisms with great play throughout the rest of the year, including awalk-off home runagainstNew York YankeescloserMariano Rivera.[10]On September 24, he recorded his 500th RBI in a game against the Boston Red Sox.[11]At the end of the 2006 season, Wells was awarded his third consecutive Gold Glove Award for outfield defense, along withTorii Hunter,andIchiro Suzuki.[4]On December 15, 2006, Wells signed a back-loaded contract extension for $126 million over seven years with the Blue Jays.[12]

Wells suffered a shoulder injury early in the 2007 season, and had season-ending shoulder surgery in September.[13]He finished the season batting just.245 with 16 home runs and 80 RBI in 149 games.[4]

On May 9, 2008, Wells suffered a broken left wrist while making a diving catch against theCleveland Indiansand was placed on the disabled list the next day.[14]He returned on June 7,[15]but later strained his left hamstring on July 9 and missed over a month of the season.[16]Despite the significant amount of time missed to injury, 2008 otherwise represented a return to form for Wells as he finished the year hitting.300 with 20 home runs and 78 RBI in just 108 games.[4]

Wells batting for theToronto Blue Jays in 2009

During spring training in 2009, Wells suffered another injury, a strained left hamstring which kept him out for several weeks.[17]At the beginning of the season, Wells batted fourth in the lineup and was playing center field. He struggled with consistency at the plate, and was subsequently dropped from the fourth spot in the lineup before the All-Star break. Though he stole 17 bases, Wells finished the year with some of the worst numbers of his career, batting.260 with only 15 home runs and 66 RBI and finishing with an OPS near.700.[4]During the season, he received significant criticism from the press regarding his large contract.[18]

Wells began 2010 at a promising pace, hitting four home runs with eight RBI in the first series. He continued to play well, hitting.337 with eight home runs and 16 RBI in April.[19]On April 7, he had a multi-home run game against the Rangers,[20]his first since September 28, 2008. On June 27, Wells hit a two-run home run that madeJamie Moyerof thePhiladelphia Phillies,Major League Baseball's all-time leader in home runs allowed, with 506.[21]On July 5, 2010, Wells was named a reserve for the2010 MLB All-Star Game,along with teammatesJosé BautistaandJohn Buck.[22]Wells was also a participant in theHome Run Derby,[23]whenChris Bermanpredicted that Wells, whom he nicknamed the "Canadian Breeze", would carry away the title. Wells ended up hitting two home runs in the first round.[24]

On September 24, 2010, Wells hit his 30th home run of the season. That home run made Wells only the fourth player in Blue Jays history to have three or more seasons with at least 30 home runs, joiningCarlos Delgado,Joe CarterandFred McGriff.[25]At the end of the season, Wells had 31 home runs, 88 RBI, and an.847 OPS, making the 2010 season his best since he signed his contract extension in 2006.[4]He finished the year batting.273 with 161 hits in 590 at bats, giving him over 1,500 hits in his career.[4]

Also in 2010, Wells was selected to receive theBranch Rickey Awardfor humanitarian works by the Rotary Club ofDenver.He is the second member of the Blue Jays to receive this honor;Dave Winfieldwas the 1992 recipient. The award was presented on November 13, 2010 and Wells was then inducted into the Baseball Humanitarians Hall of Fame.[26]

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2011–2012)

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Wells playing for theLos Angeles Angels in 2011

On January 21, 2011, Wells was traded to theLos Angeles Angels of Anaheim,in exchange for catcherMike Napoliand outfielderJuan Rivera.[27][28]

Wells started out the season hitting below theMendoza Linethrough the first month and a half of the 2011 season. At the All-Star break, his batting average improved to.222.[29]Wells "heated up" during the months of June and July, hitting 11 home runs combined in those months, after hitting only four in the previous two.[29]In his first game back in Toronto on August 12, Wells received a standing ovation before his first at bat, and followed that up by taking the first pitch of the at bat thrown byBrandon Morrowover the left-center field fence.[30]In 2011, he batted.218, the lowest batting average of all major league ballplayers with 512 or more plate appearances, and also had the lowest on-base percentage (.248).[31]

New York Yankees (2013)

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On March 26, 2013, the Angels traded Wells to theNew York Yankeesfor minor leaguers Exicardo Cayones and Kramer Sneed. The Yankees paid $13.9 million of the $42 million remaining on his contract.[32][33]Wells switched to number 12 as number 10 is retired by the Yankees forPhil Rizzuto.On May 8, 2013, Wells played third base for the first time in his career.[34]He then played second base for the first time on May 15.[35]On July 26, Wells changed his uniform number from 12 to 22 to give toAlfonso Soriano,who had been reacquired from theChicago Cubs.On August 5, 2013, Wells made his first start and appearance at first base.[36]

On January 10, 2014, Wells was designated for assignment by the Yankees and later released on January 16.[37]In 130 games for the Yankees in 2013, Wells hit.233 with 11 home runs and 50 RBI.[4]

Wells was eligible to be elected into the Hall of Fame in 2019, but received less than 5% of the vote and became ineligible for the 2020 ballot.

Career statistics

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In 1731 games over 15 years, Wells posted a.270batting average(1794-for-6642) with 930runs,379doubles,34triples,270home runs,958RBI,109stolen bases,472bases on balls,.319on-base percentageand.459slugging percentage.He finished his career with a.993fielding percentageplaying primarily at center and left field.[4]Wells has the most career homers of anyone whose career batting average "matches" their home run total (.270 BA, 270 HR).[38]

Personal life

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Wells' father, Vernon Wells Jr. is an acclaimed sports artist and was an early contributor to Upper Deck baseball cards with his art frequently appearing on team checklists and Baseball Heroes subsets featuringReggie Jacksonand other players.[39][40]

Wells currently resides in Westlake, Texas, near his hometown ofArlington.In 2001, he married his high school sweetheart, Charlene Valenti.[41]He has two sons, ages 11 and 14 as of May 2016.[42]

Off the field activities

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See also

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References

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  1. ^"Dirty dozen for Pudge; sixth for Chavez, Hunter, Ichiro".ESPN.November 1, 2006.RetrievedOctober 27,2011.
  2. ^"Blue Jays All-Time Leaders".Toronto Blue Jays.MLB.RetrievedOctober 27,2011.
  3. ^Spencer, Lyle (January 26, 2011)."The Angels' big offseason acquisition, Vernon Wells, was once a star football player".MLB.MLB Advanced Media.Archived fromthe originalon February 8, 2011.RetrievedOctober 27,2011.
  4. ^abcdefghijklmno"Vernon Wells Stats".Baseball-Reference.
  5. ^"Flintoff and Dunn Alamanac".Pflintoff.Archived fromthe originalon July 27, 2019.RetrievedOctober 27,2011.
  6. ^Fordin, Spencer (June 23, 2003)."Wells named AL Co-Player of Week".Toronto Blue Jays.MLB.Archived fromthe originalon October 6, 2003.RetrievedOctober 27,2011.
  7. ^Bastian, Jordan (May 31, 2006)."Jays power their way past Red Sox".Toronto Blue Jays.MLB.Archived fromthe originalon April 18, 2008.RetrievedJanuary 7,2022.
  8. ^Reeves, D.C. (July 24, 2006)."Wells takes home AL weekly honors".Toronto Blue Jays.MLB.Archived fromthe originalon May 7, 2016.RetrievedOctober 27,2011.
  9. ^Millson, Larry (July 10, 2006)."Ricciardi regrets making comments".The Globe and Mail.RetrievedJanuary 7,2022.
  10. ^"Wells blasts Jays past Yankees".CBC.ca.July 20, 2006.RetrievedJuly 25,2016.
  11. ^"BoSox's Bad News Bears defense gives game to Jays".ESPN.Associated Press.September 24, 2006. Archived fromthe originalon January 7, 2022.RetrievedJanuary 7,2022.
  12. ^"Jays sign Wells to $126 million, seven-year extension".ESPN.December 15, 2006.RetrievedJuly 25,2016.
  13. ^Kelly, Cathal (September 21, 2007)."Shoulder woes finish Wells' season".Toronto Star.ISSN0319-0781.RetrievedJanuary 7,2022.
  14. ^"Blue Jays' Wells out 6-8 weeks with broken wrist".ESPN.May 10, 2008.RetrievedJanuary 7,2022.
  15. ^"Wells, McDonald activated by Blue Jays".CBC.ca.June 7, 2008.RetrievedJanuary 7,2022.
  16. ^Feschuk, Dave (July 10, 2008)."Vernon Wells out 4-6 weeks".Toronto Star.ISSN0319-0781.RetrievedJanuary 7,2022.
  17. ^"Jays CF Wells injures hamstring, awaits MRI".ESPN.Associated Press.February 23, 2009.RetrievedJanuary 7,2022.
  18. ^Crasnick, Jerry (June 23, 2009)."Wells running dry in an awful big way".ESPN.RetrievedAugust 5,2019.
  19. ^"Vernon Wells Game by Game Stats and Performance".ESPN.RetrievedJanuary 7,2022.
  20. ^"Wells hits two homers to lead Blue Jays past Rangers".ESPN.Associated Press.April 8, 2010. Archived fromthe originalon January 7, 2022.RetrievedJanuary 7,2022.
  21. ^"Jamie Moyer Gets A Record, His Dog Gets A Ball".ESPN.June 28, 2010.RetrievedJanuary 7,2022.
  22. ^Campbell, Morgan (July 4, 2010)."Blue Jays' Vernon Wells, Jose Bautista and John Buck earn all-star spots".Toronto Star.RetrievedAugust 5,2019.
  23. ^"Ortiz, Cano among 6 in Home Run Derby".ESPN.July 6, 2010.RetrievedAugust 5,2019.
  24. ^Renaud, Josh (July 12, 2010)."2010 Home Run Derby results".St. Louis Post-Dispatch.RetrievedJanuary 7,2022.
  25. ^Bastian, Jordan (September 25, 2010)."Bautista blasts Nos. 51, 52 as Jays drop O's".Toronto Blue Jays.MLB.Archived fromthe originalon September 28, 2010.RetrievedOctober 27,2011.
  26. ^Harding, Thomas (September 16, 2010)."Wells earns 2010 Branch Rickey Award".Toronto Blue Jays.MLB.Archived fromthe originalon November 5, 2012.RetrievedOctober 27,2011.
  27. ^Chisholm, Gregor (January 22, 2011)."Blue Jays trade Vernon Wells to Angels for Mike Napoli and Juan Rivera".Toronto Blue Jays.MLB.Archived fromthe originalon April 5, 2012.RetrievedOctober 27,2011.
  28. ^Miller, Scott (August 23, 2013)."Angels' tense times nearly included Pujols, Hunter fight in 2012".CBS Sports.RetrievedAugust 26,2013.
  29. ^ab"Vernon Wells Game by Game Stats and Performance".ESPN.RetrievedJanuary 7,2022.
  30. ^"Vernon Wells backs Ervin Santana as Angels beat Blue Jays".ESPN.Associated Press.August 12, 2011. Archived fromthe originalon January 7, 2022.RetrievedJanuary 7,2022.
  31. ^"2011 Regular Season MLB Baseball Batting Statistics and League Leaders".ESPN.RetrievedOctober 27,2011.
  32. ^White, Paul (March 26, 2013)."Vernon Wells joins Yankees, calls it 'dream come true'".USA Today.RetrievedApril 1,2013.
  33. ^DiGiovanna, Mike (March 26, 2013)."Angels finalize trade of Vernon Wells to Yankees".Los Angeles Times.RetrievedApril 1,2013.
  34. ^Feinsand, Mark (May 9, 2013)."Vernon Wells belts two-run homer and even plays some third base as Yankees squeeze out win over Rockies".New York Daily News.RetrievedJanuary 7,2022.
  35. ^"Seattle Mariners at New York Yankees Box Score, May 15, 2013".Baseball-Reference.May 15, 2013.RetrievedJanuary 7,2022.
  36. ^"New York Yankees at Chicago White Sox Box Score, August 5, 2013".Baseball-Reference.August 5, 2013.RetrievedJanuary 7,2022.
  37. ^"Report: Yankees designate Wells for Assignment".TSN.January 10, 2014. Archived fromthe originalon January 10, 2014.RetrievedJanuary 10,2014.
  38. ^Kamka, Christopher (December 8, 2021)."Graphics Producer of White Sox Baseball on NBC Sports Chicago".Twitter.RetrievedDecember 8,2021.
  39. ^Curry, Jack (July 24, 2003)."BASEBALL; Portrait of the Artist As a Former Athlete".The New York Times.ISSN0362-4331.RetrievedJanuary 28,2020.
  40. ^"LOST AND FOUND A TEASING REGGIE CARD, THEN THE REAL SURPRISE".Sun-Sentinel.Chicago Tribune.August 28, 1990.RetrievedJanuary 28,2020.
  41. ^"JockBio: Vernon Wells".JockBio.Archived fromthe originalon March 25, 2010.
  42. ^Morosi, Jon Paul (May 15, 2013)."Yankees continuing winning tradition".Fox Sports.Archived fromthe originalon June 7, 2013.RetrievedMay 15,2013.
  43. ^"Major League Baseball Players Association: Press Releases".MLB Players Association.MLB.August 5, 2005. Archived fromthe originalon August 20, 2007.RetrievedOctober 27,2011.
  44. ^"Futures Game coaching staffs full of Rangers legends".mlb.RetrievedJuly 18,2024.
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