Vernon Wilkins

Vernon Wilkins

Vernon Wilkins holds nearly as many records for Mesa baseball as Dan Marino does for the Miami Dolphins. Having played 1st base during the 1970 and ?71 seasons, he amassed seven school records. Wilkins led his team in batting average in the seasons he played, hitting .389 in 1970 and an astounding .430 in 1971. He still holds the record for career hits at MCC with 170. His single season tally of 91 in 1971 is also a record. Wilkins stole 71 total career bases, the most by any player, and his 39 steals in 1971 is a single season record for Mesa as well. His speed was a key factor in his season record ten triples, also in 1971. Wilkins was an integral part of the two Junior College World Championship teams under Jim Brock and was named All Conference Athlete in 1970 and 1971. He was so good in fact, that he was selected to the Junior College World Series All Tournament Teams both his years, and in 1970, he was named Best Defensive Player of the Junior College World Series. He was also named an NJCAA baseball All-American in 1970.

After his MCC career Vernon was picked in the 2nd round of the Major League Draft by the Texas Rangers and played for four years. During his last two years he played in the Pacific Coast League where an injury ended his baseball career. Vernon returned to Mesa and began a 30- year career at the City of Mesa with the Utility Department. His athletic legacy marches on by his sons and also by his grandson Brice Wilkins who currently plays football for Mesa Community College.