Vernon Wells -- By Brian Rademacher

Vernon Wells Toronto Blue Jay's Top Prospect is ripping up the minors. In just few seasons he is in Triple A ball in Syracuse. Wells started his first professional career at St.Catherines in 1997. He was the first high school player taken in the 1997 June draft by Toronto in the first round, fifth overall. He hit .565 with eight home runs and 18 RBI's.

Wells was born on December 8, 1978 in Arlington, Texas. He is a right-handed outfielder who stands 6 feet tall,.  Wells moved onto Dunedin in the A ball level where he crushed Flordia State League pitching.  He batted  .343 (91 for 265) with 43 Runs, 16 Doubles, 2 Triples, and 11 Home Runs with 43 RBIs.  He also walked 26 times, struck out 34 times, and stole 34 bases.

He was name to the Flordia State League All-star Team and won the MVP. He then was promoted to Knoxville Double A. where he was batting .313 before being promoted Triple A. He is a 5-tool player who should be in Toronto before the year's end.

The following are Wells 1st Minor League Card.  St.Catherines 1997 # 28 and his 1st Major League RC Bowman Chrome 1997 # 284.