The Bellingham Bells are excited to introduce three new players from California State University, San Bernadino. RHP John Pfeffer, RHP Benny Olguin, and IF Daryl Ruiz will be joining the Bells in the summer.

“We are excited to be working with CSUSB again this summer,” Bells general manager Stephanie Morrell said. “(CSUSB Assistant Coach) Jeff James is a former head coach of the Bells (2014, 2015) and someone we really trust and admire. Working with their program and athletes has been a great fit.”

Pfeffer, a two-way star at Riverside Poly High School, had a bounce-back year in 2022 after missing the 2021 season. Last season at CSUSB he appeared in 17 games, six of them being starts, striking out 54 in 42.1 innings. Pfeffer is off to a good start this year with five strikeouts in 3.2 innings pitched out of the bullpen.

“John is a talented arm who will come to us having had some good experience at CSUSB,” Bells general manager Stephanie Morrell said. “He had an impressive summer last year with the Port Angeles Lefties and was named to the all-WCL honorable mention team. We know he will come in this summer ready to contribute and make a difference.”

Olguin will be entering his first season with the Coyotes after spending a few years at Pasadena City College. Last season with Pasadena, Olguin had a bounce back year striking out 68 in 71 innings, only allowing one home run. Olguin is continuing to show improvement with 14 strikeouts in only seven innings pitched this season.

“Benny is a great addition to the staff,” Morrell said. “He’s a consistent strike thrower with good command. We expect him to be a big part of our staff this summer and look forward to having him here in Bellingham.”

Ruiz started 52 of the 54 games he appeared in last year for CSUSB, leading the team with a .421 OBP. Ruiz has continued his success into this year already, being named the CCAA player of the week for Jan. 30- Feb. 5 in part due to his heroics. On Feb. 4th, Ruiz hit a walk-off home run against Central Washington.

“Daryl is a mature player who can really hit,” Morrell said. “He’s known for being an offensive spark and I know fans will love watching him at Joe Martin Field.”

We are excited to see the experience and talent this group brings to the Bells this summer!

The Bells Opening Day is June 2, 2023 against the Edmonton Riverhawks at Joe Martin Field.

Contact:
Bellingham Bells (www.bellinghambells.com)

Stephanie Morrell

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (360) 746-0409