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Van Corlaer
Elementary School
November 22 2011
Seattle
Outfielder Casper Wells
talks to elementary school students
about his journey to the majors
 The
students of Van Corlaer Elementary School had a special visitor
Tuesday afternoon. Casper Wells, outfielder for the Seattle
Mariners spent the afternoon talking to the students about his
childhood in Schenectady, love for baseball, and path to the
majors.
Wells, who will
celebrate his 27th birthday on Wednesday, told the
students he, not too long ago, was where they are right now. He
grew up in Schenectady, attending Elmer Avenue Elementary
School, Oneida Middle School and Schenectady High School. His
family resides in Schenectady. Both his parents and one of his
three sisters were on hand at the school for his presentation.
“As a child, I
only thought about playing baseball. I always wanted to be a
baseball player,” Wells told the students. “You all have dreams
too, right? Think about the possibilities and what you want.”
Wells told the students to take 30 minutes each night before
they go to bed and think hard about what they want. “You will
dream it,” he said.
 Wells
grew up watching Ken Griffey Jr. “He was my favorite player,”
said Wells. “I wanted to be as good as him.” He said he was
excited when he had the opportunity to see and meet him in the
locker room. He talked about other major leaguers and noted
that Yankee outfielder Curtis Granderson is the nicest guy he
has met.
 The
students were interested in how the local kid from Schenectady
High School made it to the major leagues. Wells explained that
he played baseball since he was three years old. He played at
Northside Little League, attended camps along the way and played
at Schenectady High School under Coach Jerry Rosen. Wells took
the students through his journey. He was drafted by the
Detroit Tigers when he got out of college and has played in the
Tigers organization until late last summer when he was traded to
the Seattle Mariners. Wells said he learned that he was being
traded to Seattle when he saw it on TV, but said he soon became
excited and knew it was a good opportunity.
Wells has hit 13
home runs in his career, 10 of which came off of his bat last
season. “I expect to hit a lot more next year,” he said with a
smile.
Hard work and
determination are the forces that Wells claims got him to where
he is today. “It’s all about hard work ... it's a strong work
ethic,” he stressed. He also pointed out that the hard work
doesn’t end with the season. “I practice all year round, lift
weights and get ready for the season,” he said. “It is a
full-time job being a baseball player.”
Photos:
Click on thumbnail to view larger photo.
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