Three years after his untimely passing, many of us took time this week to not only remember, but to make sure we never forget a friend to Ohio State, and the guardian angel to Ohio State baseball…Bill Wells.
This past week marked the anniversary of a turning point in both the history and the future of Ohio State baseball.
January 24th marked the anniversary of the passing of fan and benefactor Bill Wells, who passed in 2022…suddenly…shockingly…sadly. Just 60 years old at the time, his life spoke volumes to those who valued commitment to the good of mankind. He was my friend, personally, but more…he was the greatest friend that the Ohio State baseball program will ever know.
“He just gave a damn about things,” then Ohio State coach Greg Beals said in his eulogy at Bill’s funeral. “And I want to believe that he left a bit of that with all of us. He was that kind of friend.”
“Bill just gave a damn about things. And I want to believe that he left a bit of that with all of us. He was that kind of friend.” – Greg Beals
Actor Jack Lemmon once said that “death ends a life, but not a relationship”, and to those who experienced the character of Bill Wells, no better words can be found.
He loved all Ohio State sports, but he particularly loved baseball.
“I was never a very good baseball player in high school, but I wanted to be,” he would tell and laugh. “So I enjoyed living the sport through our own baseball players. I wasn’t gifted enough to play at their level, but I took pleasure in supporting them…to help each of them become better players through their experience at Ohio State.”
He was blessed with means, and he used it in a way that produced better memories of your experience at Ohio State, whether you were an athlete, or a student at the School of Medicine. He generously supported both.
His caring extended to many other projects, individuals, and agencies in central Ohio and perhaps his most appealing quality was…Bill always answered his phone, or returned your call, promptly. He was accessible, and he was the best listener imaginable.
He enjoyed history, and he valued dedication – the commitment of others, particularly American servicemen and women.
Publisher Sonny Fulks writes the Big Ten and Buckeyes baseball for Press Pros Magazine.com.
“His commitment was always the same,” said former Buckeye Diamond Club president Frank Fraas. “He did so much for so many people anonymously…because he was just a good guy.”
He died on January 24, 2022, a date in time that should not be taken lightly, or forgotten.
Because Bill Wells stood with any of the greats typically associated with Ohio State baseball, and Ohio State sports.
“Death can end a life, but not a relationship.”
We haven’t forgotten you, Bill. Nor will we.
A promise!