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Blue Jays sign Wells to long-term deal
12/18/2006 4:13 PM ET
The Toronto Blue Jays have signed center fielder Vernon Wells to a seven-year contract worth $126 million (US).

Under the terms of this contract, Wells is making a donation of $1,000,000.00 to the Jays Care Foundation, an organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for children and youth in Toronto. This stands as the single largest donation in the Foundation's history dating back to its inception in 1992, eclipsing the $300,000.00 donation made by Roy Halladay in 2006. Vernon has also been actively involved in the Rookie League program, serving as their honourary chairman each of the last four seasons.

Wells, 28, posted a .303 average with 32 home runs and 106 RBI this past season. The 6-1, 225 lb. right-handed hitter was selected as an All-Star for the 2nd time in his career (2003, 06) and captured his 3rd consecutive Rawlings Gold Glove Award. The Arlington, Texas resident became the 4th player in franchise history to hit 20 or more home runs in five or more seasons, joining Carlos Delgado, Joe Carter, and George Bell. Wells ranked 5th in total bases in the AL with 331 and 9th in hits at 185 in 2006.

In 821 career games, Wells has posted a .288 average with 141 home runs and 501 RBI. He holds the franchise single season record with 215 hits in 2003 and is the youngest Blue Jay to record 100 RBI with his 2003 total of 117. In Major League history only three center fielders have driven in 100+ runs in their first two seasons. They are Joe DiMaggio (1936-37), Al Simmons (1924-25) and Vernon Wells (2002-03). A first round draft choice (fifth overall) in the 1997 June Draft, Wells has been with Blue Jay organization his entire career.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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