By: Merrick Parnell

As a new season unfolds for the Bellingham Bells in the West Coast League (WCL), there are plenty of new players taking the diamond at Joe Martin Field this summer. The Bells have plenty of familiar faces, however, having returned 14 returning players to the 2024 roster.

Position Players

Catcher – Colton Bower

Colton Bower returns to the Bells after a solid season last year. Hailing from Poulsbo, Washington, he played in 20 games, knocking in 16 runs with the Bells.

“Colton is an incredibly sound defensive catcher. Our pitchers love throwing to him. He is tough and very committed to his craft and the team. He’s a guy that battles for his team every night, everyone loves him,” said Bells’ General Manager, Stephanie Morrell.

During the school year, he was a redshirt freshman at the University of Washington after startinghis collegiate career at Washington State University. Before collegiate ball, he played high school at North Kitsap High School, where he was rated the top catcher in Washington by Perfect Game. He was also a decorated football quarterback, winning 2A Player of the Year honors as a senior.

Infielder – Nate Kirkpatrick

Third baseman Nate Kirkpatrick returns to Joe Martin Field for his third season in the West Coast League after playing for the Aguadilla Tiburones in Puerto Rico during the spring. Kirkpatrick hails from Surrey, BC, Canada. Last season in the WCL, Kirkpatrick had 26 hits and 11 RBIs with the Bellingham club.

“This is Nate’s third season in the WCL and second with the Bells. He was already long proven as a solid defender at third, but this year, he’s off to a hot start at the plate. Nate is one of the team’s most effective hitters, a quiet leader, and someone who embodies what it means to be a good representative of this team,” Morrell said.

Infielder – Anthony Kodama

Infielder Anthony Kodama returns with Northwest ties. After graduating from Henry Jackson High School in Mill Creek, Washington, he played at Edmonds College and then moved to Southern Illinois University (SIU) for baseball.

“Anthony is someone everyone loves having around. He’s a scrappy defender and an effective hitter. You can expect him to find ways on base and save balls up the middle. Anthony’s a lot of fun to watch play,” Morrell exclaimed.

Last season with the Bells, Kodama appeared in 17 games, had 17 hits, and drove in 9 RBIs. At the college level, he started 25 games, had hits in 21 of those, and recorded 12 RBIs.

Pitchers

Nathan Van Beek

Nathan Van Beek, from nearby Bow, Washington, rejoins the club this season after picking up a 3-1 win-loss record and pitching in 11 games last year with an ERA under 3.00 (2.82).

“Nate is a deceptive LHP who frustrates hitters. He adds some nice depth to our staff. He’s a great clubhouse guy who loves being a Bell and brings energy to the yard every day,” Morrell commented.

During the school year, he pitched for Union College (Kentucky), appearing in seven games and pitching eight innings. He was also selected to the AAC All-Academic Team. Before Union, Van Beek played for Umpqua Community College after graduating from Burlington-Edison High School in Burlington, Washington.

Matt Molina

Matt Molina returns to the Bells after a limited season last year due to injury. Last season, he appeared in four games and recorded four strikeouts. During the college baseball season, Molina pitched for Texas A&M – Corpus Christi in his home state.

“The Bells’ staff and front office have been pleased with Molina’s work ethic and are happy he’s returning to Bellingham for his second season. He has a lot of potential to help the staff in various ways. He’s a guy who loves being here and works hard every day,” stated Morrell.

Marques Brown

Marques Brown, from Deming, Washington, makes his return to the Bells after playing for Bushnell University this past college baseball season following two years at Skagit Valley College.

“The Bells’ front office is excited to have a local player from the County who takes great pride in how he represents being from the area. In his first year with Bushnell, he recorded seven strikeouts in 10 innings and had a 1-0 win-loss record,” Morrell said.

Morrell has been impressed with his unique pitching style and skill set. “He’s got a unique arm slot and some great breaking stuff that allows him to come in and help us late in games.”

Callum Young

Callum Young returns to the Bells after a limited season last year. Hailing from Vancouver, BC, Canada, the pitcher appeared in 10 games for Everett Community College, where he amassed 38 strikeouts with a 3.32 ERA.

“Cal is a young pitcher with a ton of potential. He works hard and shows up every day to compete, and we’ve really enjoyed having him as part of the team.”

Everett Swaim

Another Canadian prospect, Everett Swaim, returns to the Bells from Richmond, BC. Last year, he posted a 2-1 win-loss record in the regular season as a pitcher for Bellingham, throwing 25 strikeouts with a 1.38 ERA.

“Swaim maintains a good reputation of being a likable teammate and reliable player,” explained Morrell. “He is a great guy to have around, a great teammate, and a burst of energy for everyone around him. He works hard and is a reliable reliever for the team.”

Swaim is currently in the transfer portal after spending two seasons at Gonzaga University.

Ryan Beitel

From Surrey, BC, Canada, Ryan Beitel returns after playing for the University of British Columbia last year. In 2023, Beitel went 5-1 with a sub 1.40 ERA (1.39) during the regular season with Bellingham, marking his fourth year with the Bells.

“He is an incredibly reliable starter who throws strikes and frustrates hitters with above-average secondary pitches,” Morrell stated. “Ryan is a great leader, a true competitor, and a big part of the 2024 Bells,” she continued.

Eli Knowlton

Eli Knowlton, another Edmonds College Triton, returns to the Bells’ pitching staff. Originally from Bellingham and a Squalicum graduate, Knowlton made two appearances last year, pitching 3.2 innings and striking out four batters. With Edmonds, he appeared in 13 games with an ERA of 2.81.

“Eli is another local product who spent some time with us last year at the end of the season. He is an electric arm with impressive movement on his secondary pitches. He’s hard for hitters to figure out and a great asset for the Bells,” Morrell explained.

Will Anderson

Will Anderson rejoins the Bells for another season after pitching at the University of British Columbia.

“Will is another player we brought back after a brief time with the team last summer. Anderson is finishing his first year of collegiate pitching and proving to have a lot of talent. He will give the Bells depth and flexibility in the bullpen,” Morrell said.

The Delta, BC product had six strikeouts in 6 innings pitched with the Bells last season. He made 15 appearances at UBC this spring and had a 3-0 win-loss record.

 

Making a Run in 2024 with Familiar Faces and New Prospects

As the Bellingham Bells embark on the 2024 West Coast League season, they do so with a blend of fresh talent and seasoned veterans. The Bells are ready to build on their past successes. Fans can expect an exciting season ahead as these players continue to play with spirit and skill.