News
Clemente nod honors Wells' charity work
Outfielder has excelled in community despite struggles at bat
By John Barone / MLB.com
09/02/09 12:00 PM ET
Vernon Wells readily admits that his season hasn't gone as planned. Off the field, however, the Blue Jays center fielder is having another All-Star caliber campaign that could land him some hardware in October.The Toronto slugger has been nominated for the 2009 edition of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet, an annual honor recognizing the player who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team.
Clemente, a Hall of Fame right fielder who garnered 12 All-Star selections during his decorated career with the Pirates, died in a plane crash on Dec. 31, 1972, while attempting to transport relief supplies to earthquake-stricken Nicaragua.
Fans can participate in the selection process by voting online through Oct. 4. The fan ballot champion will be tallied as one vote among those cast by a special panel of baseball dignitaries and media members, including Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig and Clemente's widow, Vera.
Voting fans will automatically be registered for a chance to win a trip to this year's Fall Classic, where the winner of the Roberto Clemente Award is scheduled to be announced.
Entering Tuesday batting .254 with 13 home runs and 54 RBIs, Wells hasn't allowed on-field struggles to affect his dedication to charity work, which includes involvement with the Jays Care Foundation.
By offering his time and money, Wells will assist Jays Care in reaching its objective of giving $1 million back to the community this year to help needy children. The two-time All-Star pledged a $1 million commitment to the foundation when he signed a seven-year, $126 million contract extension with Toronto in December 2006.
"Vernon leads the way in being visible in the community," Danielle Silverstein, executive director of Jays Care, told Wells' official Web site. "Whether it's school visits, or a special kid who is at the ballpark for the day, Vernon is the one that will go over and give a word of encouragement or sign autographs."
In 2008, Wells and his wife, Charlene, founded the Vernon Wells Perfect 10 Foundation to support and protect children in need. The charity backs nonprofit organizations that provide general welfare for youngsters. Motivated by chilling statistics of child abuse and homeless youths, the goal of the Perfect 10 Foundation is to open a general residential operation, which will offer short-term shelter for those displaced by Child Protective Services.
A role model for Toronto's youths, Wells has taken the field with hundreds of students at the Blue Jays' annual Everyone Belongs! tee-ball tournament for children with special needs. Teaching them, encouraging them and cheering them on, the 11-year Major League veteran sets an example for his teammates and fans alike by demonstrating that everyone should have a chance to play the game of baseball. He and Charlene have also taken time to visit youngsters at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children and participate in its Reading Room program.
Wells' community efforts aren't lost on his skipper.
"It's great," Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston said. "It's great that he does those sorts of things to give back a little bit."
John Barone is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
