LA Angels' Vernon Wells: Passion and Commitment Part of His Game and His Life

While many questioned the trade that brought Vernon Wells to the Los Angeles Angels from the Toronto Blue Jays for Mike Napoli and Juan Rivera, there was also a cadre of fans who welcomed Wells and his offensive production.

Whatever side you may be on, even after 11 games, one fact about Wells can never be questioned: his passion and commitment to the game.

Wells was asked to transition to left field to accommodate the speedy Peter Bourjos in center, much like Torii Hunter was asked to move to right field in early August of last year.

Wells had no issue with the move and worked hard during preseason to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Along the way, Wells has also seen to it that he does whatever he can to provide the young Bourjos with as much information as possible to help make his transition to the major leagues that much smoother.

Wells knows that being a veteran also means providing leadership and guidance when needed. When asked what he and Hunter have done thus far to help out Bourjos, Wells talked about the guidance he mentioned.

“I think it’s good that he has a couple sets of ears and mouths that have been around the game a while. There are guys that we know, and he can look to us for advice in different situations.

"If there’s a thought that he has in his mind about what he should do in a certain situation, he can ask us.”

While Bourjos is still learning to hit major league pitching, hitting .250 in his first 11 games, Wells sees one aspect of Bourjos’ game that will set him apart as he progresses.

“His speed," Wells said. "Speed is the biggest thing. It allows him to get to a lot of balls that most guys won’t get to, it allows him to take extra bases that most guys can’t get, so watching him run, it’s been special.”

With 12 Gold Gloves surrounding him, Bourjos already is impressing.

Wells is not only giving of his time on the field but off as well. A former nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award while with the Blue Jays, Wells enjoys the satisfaction of helping others in need.

He founded the Vernon Wells Perfect 10 Charity, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and protecting single mothers and children in need.

Thus far, Wells’ foundation has opened the Redemption House, a home in his native Texas community, to provide single and expectant mothers between the ages of 18 and 26 with the resources necessary to be successful in life.

A second home, the Hope House, is also in the works and will help homeless mothers work to become self-sufficient and provide emotional, spiritual and financial help as well.

He has enlisted the help of other ballpayers as well, such as Torii Hunter, Michael Young, Ian Kinsler and Clayton Kershaw, all who have participated in an annual golf tournament to raise funds for the Perfect 10 Charity.

Asked if he was looking forward to possibly expanding his foundation to the Anaheim area, Wells was excited about getting involved in the local community.

“Definitely. I definitely plan on partnering up with the Angels and doing some fun things,” Wells said. “It’s fun to get out there and do stuff like that, because the game only lasts so long, but the lives we’re able to impact off the field lasts a lifetime, so that’s something I thoroughly enjoy doing.”

Seeing the way Wells lit up when he answered that question, there was no questioning his sincerity and commitment to helping others.

Commitment and passion are two characteristics that aptly describe Vernon Wells, and the Angels, as well as the local community, will no doubt reap the benefits.

* All quotes and sound bites in this article were acquired via first-hand reporting on site at Angels Stadium as a credentialed representative of Bleacher Report, Inc.

For continuing coverage of the Los Angeles Angels and Major League Baseball, follow Doug on Twitter @Sports_A_Holic.