David Wells Net Worth

David Wells net worth – What is the net worth of David Wells? David Wells is an American former professional baseball pitcher who has a net worth of $25 million. Nicknamed “Boomer,” Wells pitched 21 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for nine different teams, most notably the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays. A colorful and often controversial figure, he is best known for throwing the 15th perfect game in baseball history in 1998. Since retiring, he has remained active in the sport as a broadcaster, coach, and philanthropist.

What is David Wells’ Net Worth?

As of 2026, David Wells has an estimated net worth of US $25 million. His wealth is primarily derived from his two-decade career in the MLB, where he earned approximately $58.6 million in total salary. His peak earning years came in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with his highest single-season salary being $9.25 million with the Chicago White Sox in 2001.

Beyond his playing contracts, Wells has generated income through broadcasting roles with networks like TBS, FOX Sports, and the YES Network. He also manages the Perfect 33 Foundation, a non-profit organization he founded to support military veterans and their families.

Net Worth Comparison with MLB Pitchers

Player Estimated Net Worth
David Wells $25 Million
Roger Clemens $60 Million
David Cone $25 Million
Andy Pettitte $75 Million
CC Sabathia $80 Million
Mike Mussina $70 Million

David Wells Career Earnings Snapshot

Team Years Est. Earnings
Toronto Blue Jays 1987–1992, 1999–2000 ~$12 Million
New York Yankees 1997–1998, 2002–2003 ~$14 Million
Chicago White Sox 2001 $9.25 Million
Boston Red Sox 2005–2006 ~$8 Million
Total Career Earnings 1987–2007 ~$58.6 Million

Who is David Wells?

David Lee Wells was born on May 20, 1963, in Torrance, California. He is a left-handed pitcher celebrated as much for his dominance on the mound as for his rebellious, “everyman” persona. Standing 6 feet 3 inches and often playing at a weight of over 250 pounds, Wells defied the typical athletic build. Despite battling back issues and a reputation for partying, he was one of the league’s most durable and precise pitchers, known for his impeccable control and a devastating curveball.

David Wells Biography

Field Details
Full Name David Lee Wells
Nickname Boomer
Date of Birth May 20, 1963
Age 63 years (in 2026)
Birthplace Torrance, California, U.S.
Nationality American
Profession Former MLB Pitcher, Broadcaster
Years Active 1987–2007
Net Worth $25 million
Source of Wealth MLB Salary, Broadcasting
Marital Status Married
Spouse Nina Wells
Children Brandon, Lars
Education Point Loma High School (San Diego)

Early Life and Education

David Wells grew up in the Ocean Beach neighborhood of San Diego. His upbringing was unconventional; he was raised by his mother, Eugenia “Attitude Annie” Wells, a spirited woman with ties to the Hells Angels motorcycle club. He did not meet his biological father, David Pritt, until he was 22 years old.

Wells attended Point Loma High School, where he was a star athlete in both baseball and basketball. He threw a perfect game during his senior year, foreshadowing his future success. He was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the second round of the 1982 MLB amateur draft, foregoing college to begin his professional career.

Career

Wells’ MLB career spanned from 1987 to 2007. He debuted with the Toronto Blue Jays as a reliever before transitioning into a starting role. He was a key member of the Blue Jays’ 1992 World Series championship team.

In 1997, he signed with the New York Yankees, his favorite team growing up (due to his idolization of Babe Ruth). It was here that he achieved baseball immortality. On May 17, 1998, Wells pitched the 15th perfect game in MLB history, retiring all 27 Minnesota Twins batters he faced at Yankee Stadium. He went on to help the Yankees win the 1998 World Series.

Throughout his career, Wells played for nine teams, including the Tigers, Reds, Orioles, White Sox, Red Sox, Padres, and Dodgers. He retired with a career record of 239–157, 2,201 strikeouts, and three All-Star selections. He is one of the few pitchers to win a World Series with both the Blue Jays and the Yankees.

Post-retirement, Wells transitioned into media, serving as a color analyst and host. He also returned to his alma mater, Point Loma High School, as the head baseball coach for several years, funding the renovation of the school’s baseball field which now bears his name.

Personal Life

David Wells is married to Nina Wells, and the couple has two sons, Brandon and Lars. He resides in San Diego, California. Known for his love of heavy metal music (famously Metallica) and his extensive collection of baseball memorabilia, Wells once wore an authentic Babe Ruth cap during a game in 1997, causing a minor controversy with management.

He has battled health issues related to his weight and developed gout and Type 2 diabetes later in his career, which he has spoken about publicly to raise awareness.

Favorite Things

Category Favorite
Band Metallica, Van Halen
Idol Babe Ruth
Team New York Yankees
Activity Riding Motorcycles
Food Mexican

50 Unknown Facts about David Wells

  1. He claims to have thrown his perfect game while suffering from a “raging hangover.”

  2. He attended the same high school (Point Loma) as fellow perfect game pitcher Don Larsen.

  3. He has a tattoo of Babe Ruth on his arm.

  4. He wore the number 33 as a tribute to Babe Ruth (who wore number 3, which was retired).

  5. He appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated multiple times.

  6. He wrote an autobiography titled Perfect I’m Not: Boomer on Beer, Brawls, Backaches, and Baseball.

  7. He once paid $35,000 for a game-worn Babe Ruth cap.

  8. He is one of the few left-handed pitchers to throw a perfect game.

  9. He led the American League in wins in 2000 with 20 victories.

  10. He underwent spinal fusion surgery later in his career.

  11. He was an MLB All-Star in 1995, 1998, and 2000.

  12. He pitched for the Cincinnati Reds for only 11 games in 1995.

  13. He has appeared in TV shows like Arli$$.

  14. He is a huge fan of the Hells Angels and has friends in the club.

  15. He publicly feuded with Yankees owner George Steinbrenner.

  16. He pitched in the postseason for six different franchises.

  17. He was the MVP of the 1998 ALCS.

  18. He has a charity called the Perfect 33 Foundation.

  19. He refused to wear a collar on his jersey, often cutting it off.

  20. He was known for his quick pace on the mound, rarely wasting time between pitches.

  21. He gave up the first hit in Major League history to designated hitter David Ortiz (when Ortiz was with the Twins).

  22. He was teammates with Roger Clemens on both the Blue Jays and the Yankees.

  23. He credits his mother for his toughness.

  24. He was nearly traded to the Mets in 1999 but the deal fell through.

  25. He threw a complete game in his final victory as a Yankee in 2003.

  26. He is a self-proclaimed “gym rat” despite his physique.

  27. He has a massive collection of vintage motorcycles.

  28. He appeared in the movie Fever Pitch.

  29. He once walked off the mound during a game to argue with his manager.

  30. He has openly criticized the MLB’s steroid era policies, despite playing during that time.

  31. He never won a Cy Young Award but finished third in voting in 1998.

  32. He holds the record for being the oldest pitcher to start a game for the Boston Red Sox in the playoffs.

  33. He considers his 1998 Yankees team one of the greatest ever assembled.

  34. He has worked as a specialized instructor for the Yankees during Spring Training.

  35. He is an avid golfer.

  36. He was ejected from a game in 2007 for arguing balls and strikes.

  37. He claims he was “blackballed” by some teams due to his outspoken nature.

  38. He has a street named after him in Ocean Beach, San Diego.

  39. He hosted a show called The Cheap Seats on FOXSports.com.

  40. He has supported initiatives for Type 2 diabetes research.

  41. He was the first pitcher to throw a perfect game at Yankee Stadium since 1956.

  42. He once punched a fan who accosted him at a diner in 2002.

  43. He finished his career with exactly 2,201 strikeouts.

  44. He played for both the White Sox and the Cubs (briefly in talks, though played for Sox).

  45. He was known for interacting with fans in the bleachers during games.

  46. He has cited his 1998 perfect game as the greatest moment of his life.

  47. He wore vintage-style baseball stirrups throughout his career.

  48. He has a personalized gym at his home in San Diego.

  49. He often wore a goatee, which was sometimes against team rules (like the Yankees).

  50. He retired at age 44, making him one of the oldest active players at the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is David Wells?

David Wells is 63 years old (as of May 2026).

Did David Wells throw a perfect game drunk?

Wells has claimed in his autobiography and interviews that he was suffering from a severe hangover during his perfect game in 1998, but not that he was actively drunk on the mound.

What is David Wells doing now?

He is active as a broadcaster, philanthropist with his Perfect 33 Foundation, and occasionally coaches high school baseball.

How much did David Wells earn in his career?

He earned approximately $58.6 million in salary during his MLB career.

Who is David Wells’ wife?

He is married to Nina Wells.

How many World Series rings does David Wells have?

He has two World Series rings (1992 with the Toronto Blue Jays and 1998 with the New York Yankees).

What teams did David Wells play for?

He played for the Blue Jays, Tigers, Reds, Orioles, Yankees, White Sox, Padres, Red Sox, and Dodgers.

Is David Wells in the Hall of Fame?

No, David Wells is not in the Baseball Hall of Fame. He fell off the ballot in his first year of eligibility.

What was David Wells’ nickname?

His nickname was “Boomer.”

Where does David Wells live?

He lives in San Diego, California, specifically in the Point Loma/Ocean Beach area.

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