TAMPA, Fla. — Entering his third full season with the New York Yankees, catcher Austin Wells is enjoying a particularly exciting spring training in Florida. Along with preparing for the demanding 162-game schedule ahead, Wells is eagerly anticipating departing from the Yankees on March 1 to represent the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, honoring his family roots.
Family Legacy and New Parenthood Bring Joy for Wells
Although Austin Wells was born in Arizona and grew up in Las Vegas, his mother’s side of the family is deeply connected to the Dominican Republic. This heritage makes his participation in the international tournament especially meaningful. Wells shared,
“Everyone (in my family) is super pumped.”
Adding to his personal happiness, Wells recently became a father for the first time in December when his wife, Caroline, welcomed their daughter, Lucy. He spoke warmly about the experience:
“It’s been the best two months of my life. Honestly, it starts when you find out you’re having a kid and then since she’s been here it’s been an incredible experience. Just to be able to go home (after spring training workouts and games), you see the changes … I feel like I already go home from the field and she’s already a teenager! I can’t imagine how I’m going to feel when we have to go on the road and I don’t see her for a couple days.”
Wells’ Favorite Things: Sports Heroes, Entertainment, and Food
In a recent questionnaire featured on NJ.com, Wells revealed an array of favorites that highlight his personal tastes and interests. His teenage celebrity crush is Alexandra Daddario, and his childhood sports hero is legendary slugger David Ortiz. Films from his favorite genre include
“Star Wars – Revenge of the Sith,”
while actor Chris Pratt ranks as his preferred actor.
Music plays an important role in Wells’ life, with country star Tim McGraw and rock band Nickelback among his top picks. Reflecting on his early years, Wells fondly recalls winning the Nevada state championship as a 10-year-old catcher for the Paseo Verde All-Stars, his best memory from Little League baseball.
Sports, Hobbies, and Travel Preferences
Aside from baseball, Wells enjoys playing lacrosse, where he took the midfield position and focused on scoring goals. His favorite road cities to visit for games are those within the Yankees’ division, including Baltimore, Boston, Tampa, and Toronto. When it comes to ballparks, Fenway Park in Boston and Oriole Park in Baltimore stand out as his top choices.
Wells named pitcher Tarik Skubal as one of the toughest opponents he has faced on the mound. Looking ahead, he expressed a wish for a rule change if he were commissioner:
“Every Monday off like the minor leagues. I’d love that.”
Childhood Memories and Personal Preferences Outside Baseball
Wells’ favorite holiday is Christmas, and his favorite cartoon series is “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” As a child, he loved playing with a Nerf gun and enjoyed family vacations in the Dominican Republic visiting his maternal grandparents in a resort area where they spent time at the beach and riding horses. He dreams of traveling to Europe, a continent he has yet to visit.
Academically, science was his favorite subject, and among video games, Rocket League ranks as his top choice. When it comes to food, he favors a smash burger with sweet potato fries paired with an Oreo milkshake. His favorite fast-food spot is Chick-fil-A, and he enjoys snacks like acai bowls, with Oreos and Reese’s peanut butter cups topping his candy list. Wells prefers Powerade as his non-alcoholic drink and Oreo as his ice cream flavor. However, he avoids pho, a Vietnamese rice noodle soup.
Personal Interests and Meaningful Connections
Wells enjoys building Legos during his leisure time. When asked about dinner invitations, he mentioned he would choose Jesus, his daughter Lucy, and his dad, joking that his wife would understand his selection. This glimpse into Wells’ life paints a picture of an earnest athlete balancing the demands of professional baseball with a rich family life and diverse personal interests.
