Aussie pitcher leaves major mark on the Shorebirds

Alex Wells came to America for one core reason — to play baseball.

The Australia native left his home at 18 years old, with hopes of taking the mound at a Major League stadium and pitching in front of thousands of fans.

On Aug. 29, 2015, Wells signed his contract with the Baltimore Orioles as an international free agent acquisition, and began his journey toward the pros. Though nearly two years have passed and the now 20-year-old hasn’t pitched at Camden Yards, he’s made a huge mark on the small area of Delmarva.

In just one season as a member of the Delmarva Shorebirds, Wells has claimed numerous awards and accolades, being named the Orioles Minor League Pitcher of the Month and the South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Month in July, while also earning a trip to the SAL All-Star game in June.

“It’s definitely been a fun two years since I’ve signed. I’ve really enjoyed every moment of it, and I’m looking forward to what the next few years have in store for me as well,” Wells said. “I definitely had to mature, coming all the way from Australia at such a young age; that’s definitely been an experience and I’ve enjoyed it.”

Through 136 innings pitched in 2017, Wells has become a dominant force in the Shorebirds’ pitching staff. He has put up a 2.45 ERA, struck out 109 batters and walked just 10. He currently holds the lowest ERA, WHIP and walks allowed in the entire SAL.

Wells has remained a consistent starter, but truly found his groove late in the summer. From July into August, the lefthanded pitcher went 37 innings without allowing a single run.

BACKGROUND: O's top prospects land on the Shore

MORE SHOREBIRDS: Ring looks to emulate Torii Hunter

MORE PITCHING: O's prospect off to hot start with Shorebirds

“It’s been a fun year. I’ve definitely had a lot of help from my guys in the outfield and infield backing me up — I wouldn’t have had the year so far without these guys backing me up,” Wells said. “I just got out there, threw the ball, had some pretty good success and it was a pretty fun month.”

His performance hasn't gone unnoticed on the Shore or throughout the Orioles’ organization.

As of Aug. 25, Wells was Baltimore’s 16th ranked prospect according to the team's Top 30 Prospect List — the highest Shorebirds player on the list. Though nothing will be confirmed until after the 2018 spring training, Wells is not expected back in Delmarva and could possibly bypass Frederick and start the season with the Bowie Baysox, the Orioles’ AA affiliate.

But all the talk surrounding the young pitcher hasn't fazed Wells. He maintains a humble personality, believing the time will eventually come when the Orioles call him up to the active roster.

“I’m just taking it day-by-day at the moment, finishing the year strong, and hopefully I’ll have a good spring training next year and just see where it takes me,” Wells said.

MORE SHOREBIRDS: Delmarva All-Star setting high goals

For someone who has experienced several bright spots during his time on the Shore, when Wells thinks back to his time with Delmarva, the one memory that sticks out won't have anything to do with his performance.

Instead, it will be the faces in the crowd of people who traveled thousands of miles just to see him play.

“Having my family over to see me pitch for the first time, that was really special. That was a good experience and one I’ll cherish forever,” Wells said.

His twin brother Lachlan, who is a pitcher in the Minnesota Twins minor league system, was unable to make the trip, but Wells believes having the sense of family and comfort was huge in helping him feel more at ease as the season played out.

Living on the Shore has been a different experience for the Aussie pitcher, who is used to the atmosphere of his home city of Newcastle. But one thing that gives Wells the feeling of home is having the beaches of Ocean City and Assateague just down the road.

“I’ve been out there a couple of times, and whenever we get the chance to get a day off, get out and relax on the beach, we just mellow out, don’t think about baseball too much, refresh the legs, refresh the body and come the next day ready to go,” Wells said.

As the season starts to wrap up, Wells is staying focused on staying consistent and taking down opposing batters. Currently holding a 26-33 record in the SAL Northern division, the Shorebirds aren’t expected to make the playoffs in 2017, but that hasn’t erased the mark that Wells has left.

“I’ve just been doing what I’ve had to do, going out and pitching and all that. I’ve had a lot of fun while doing this, and it’s made the year go by pretty quick,” Wells said. “It’s been a fun ride, and I can’t wait until next year.”