Bob Wells

Robert Lee Wells was born on November 1, 1966 in Yakima, Washington.

The Philadelphia Phillies signed him as an undrafted free agent in 1988 out of Spokane Falls Community College. He reached the Majors in 1994, but was waived after making just six relief appearances. The Seattle Mariners claimed him. Wells became a regular member of the Mariners pitching staff, bouncing around between the starting rotation and long relief. He won a career high 12 games in 1996, and helped Seattle reach the postseason twice.

Wells signed with the Minnesota Twins as a free agent ahead of the 1999 campaign. He led the American League with 76 relief appearances that summer, going 8-3 with a 3.81 ERA and one save. This strong season was accomplished in spite of a slow start. Wells allowed nine earned runs across 13.1 innings during the month of April (6.08 ERA).

He was even better in 2000. Wells posted a 3.65 ERA over 86.1 innings out of the Minnesota bullpen, striking out 7.9 hitters per nine innings. This was a leap from just 4.5 K/9 in 1999. He saved a career high ten games for the Twins, and had a career best 1.100 WHIP. Wells regressed during the 2001 and 2002 seasons, pitching to a 5.47 ERA while making 113 relief appearances. He made two relief appearances for the Twins during the 2002 playoffs. They both came in lower leverage situations.

Wells retired after the 2002 season.

• 1999 AL pitching appearance leader