BELLINGHAM, WA — Wednesday, April 10, the Bellingham Bells announced the final two additions for the 2024 season. 

Tom Poole is a junior first baseman out of Dallas Baptist University. For the Division I Patriots he is hitting .243 with six of his 17 hits being for extra bases. Last season he hit 10 home runs in 37 starts.

Poole has spent time in the West Coast League. Last summer he was an Edmonton Riverhawk where he led the team in batting average. His .340 at the plate would have been top five in the league if he had enough plate appearances to qualify.

From Calgary Christian School in Alberta, Poole has been using his left-handed swing to compete at the highest level. He spent his club seasons with the Langley Blaze during his prep career. 

Poole was a 2022 Second Team All-Conference selection for Cloud County Community College in Concordia, Kansas. In that season he set the school’s single-season record for home runs with 23 and the school record for total bases with 158.

“We’re really excited to be adding Tom to the 2024 roster,” Bells General Manager Stephanie Morrell said. “He has WCL experience and a track record of success at the plate everywhere he’s been. Tom comes from a very strong program in Dallas Baptist, and we’re excited to start a connection with DBU this year. We expect Tom to bring some offensive spark to the lineup, as well as some veteran leadership.”

Connor Smith is a sophomore catcher for Santa Clara University. The 6-foot-4 right-handed swinging Bronco spent his true freshman season at Sierra College with the Wolverines.

Smith slashed .261 in 23 at bats for Sierra College. In limited time Smith was able to crush a home run and he had an on base percentage of .433 thanks to his six walks.

He attended Alpha Charter High School in Elverta, CA, where he helped his team find success and reach the Division III playoffs in 2022.

“Connor is a great addition to the Bells lineup. He has some power in his bat and can really catch and throw behind the plate,” Morrell said. “He’ll be a steady presence for our pitching staff this summer and a great addition to the team.”

The Bellingham Bells roster is set and the team will begin to come together for the home opener May 31. Get tickets now at bellstickets.com and keep up with the team all season @bhambells on X and Instagram as well as the Bellingham Bells page on Facebook.