The Bells are excited to announce the addition of four freshman from UCLA to the 2022 roster. RHP JR Ritchie, RHP Cody Delvecchio, outfielder Toussaint Bythewood and outfielder Payton Brennan will join the Bells in summer 2022. 

“Once again, we are extremely excited about the group of Bruins that will be joining us in Bellingham this summer,” Bells head coach Adam Geaslen said. 

Ian Ritchie Jr. (JR Ritchie) will graduate this spring from Bainbridge High School in Bainbridge, Wash. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound right hander is ranked No. 1 in Washington state by Perfect Game and is the No.6 ranked right hander nationally. 

“These talented individuals are led by RHP JR Ritchie,” Geaslen said. “Who is being touted as a potential first round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. Ritchie displays polished mechanics and an impressive pitch mix with a fastball that he has run up to 97.”

Delvecchio is another talent on the mound at 6-foot, 180-pounds. He went 10-1 with a 1.86 ERA during his junior season at Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, Calif. 

“Cody brings great energy to the mound,” Geaslen said. “A highly competitive individual that loves to attack hitters. Cody displays a quick arm and features the ability to command the zone with all of his pitches.”

Bythewood is ranked as the No. 8 outfielder in California and will graduate from Harvard-Westlake School in Encino, Calif. He stands at 6-foot-2, 175-pounds and was named the Mission League MVP after his junior season in 2021.

“Toussaint is a skilled player that features a unique combination of athleticism and power,” Geaslen said. “A speedy runner with solid arm strength that has the skill set to positively impact a line up.”

Finally, Payton Brennan will graduate from Rocklin High School in Rocklin, Calif. He is ranked the No. 7 outfielder in California and batted .391 in 2021. 

“Payton is an explosive, middle of the order left-handed bat,” Geaslen said. “A physical player that possesses high level speed and athleticism.”