The Bellingham Bells are excited to announce three incoming players for the 2023 season. Rivals during the spring, USC’s RHP Will Watson will join UCLA’s IF Boston Baro and OF Dean West as teammates this summer for the Bells.

Watson, a two-way star at Burlington-Edison High School where he was named to the All-State team, will be transferring from San Joaquin Delta to play at USC. Last year with the Kingsmen, Watson was a force out of the bullpen striking out 40 batters in 20 appearances, to go along with a 1.82 ERA. Watson was also a factor at the plate in Cal Lutheran’s wins, hitting .346 in those games.

“Will has become a very hard-throwing RHP (92-95), who also has outstanding secondary pitches as well. This guy can really pitch,” Bells head coach Jim Clem said. “We expect Will to have a key role on our team this summer. Will is well-known for being a strike-thrower, a fierce competitor, and a great teammate!”

Baro will graduate in 2023 from Capistrano Valley High School, where he has been a standout player. He helped lead the team to a San Joaquin League Title in 2022. Baro bats from the left side and has a smooth swing, which allowed him to slash an outstanding .463/.519/.652 his junior year. He participated in the 2022 Perfect Game National Showcase and was also named to the New Balance National Tournament All-Prospects Team for the 2022 Perfect Game World Series.

“Boston is an extraordinary talent, whose versatility and athleticism will really help us,” Clem said. “Boston can easily play all 3 infield positions.  As a 6.3 – 6.4 runner, Boston can change a game, both offensively and defensively, with his speed. While we know his talent will play well on the field, we’re excited about what he’ll bring to the clubhouse too, as Boston is known to be a high character person!”

West, who is a top 100 prospect out of high school, was a highlight in the Bruins #3 ranked recruiting class this year. His range in the outfield and prowess at the plate helped Giancarlo Stanton’s alma mater, Notre Dame High School, to the 2022 CIF Southern Section D1 Playoff final. West was named to the 2022 Perfect Game National Showcase Top-Prospect Team and was invited to play at the 2022 HS All-American game at Dodger Stadium.

“Dean is a true centerfielder, a very good defender, but he too could easily play all three outfield positions if needed.” Clem said.  “Dean is a left-handed hitter, that can really hit, and he runs well too.  While Dean is an exceptional player on the field, he is also known for being a great teammate that exhibits high character as well.”

This group of high-character players should be a blast to watch on and off the field this summer.

The Bells start the season on June 2, 2023, with a game against the Edmonton Riverhawks at Joe Martin Field.

Contact:
Bellingham Bells (www.bellinghambells.com)

Stephanie Morrell

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (360) 746-0409