BELLINGHAM, WA — On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, the Bellingham Bells announced that an infielder, a catcher and a pitcher from the University of Southern California would be joining the 2024 roster.
Gavin Mez, a catcher and junior transfer, played one season at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and one season at the College of Southern Nevada before transferring to USC. Mez earned 2023 All-SWAC First Team, 2023 All-SWAC Tournament Team and 2023 Second-Team Academic All-American.
“Gavin is an experienced catcher, who has a great lefthanded stroke at the plate. He will bring some great depth to our catching core coming in as a catcher who has had experience in the Pac-12 conference,” said Bells Head Coach, Bob Ralston. “Gavin is known to be a competitor and a great teammate, and we are excited he will be with us this summer.”
KaiKea Harrison, an infielder, appeared in 16 games last year for the Trojans, making four starts.
“Kaikea is a gamer! He can play solid defense at every infield position and is a tough out at the plate,” said Ralston. “He’s a good runner and a smart player, someone who will help our team.”
Sax Matson, a left-handed pitcher, was the South Puget Sound League Pitcher of the Year in 2023. According to Perfect Game, Matson was ranked 6th as a left-handed pitcher in Washington and the 23rd-ranked player overall in the state.
“Sax can really pitch. He is known to be a competitor who knows how to win,” said Ralston. “Growing up in the Seattle area, I know Sax is looking forward to spending his summer close to home and we are excited about the depth he will add to the bullpen as a left-handed strikethrower.”
The Bells Opening Day is May 31, 2024 against the Edmonton Riverhawks at Joe Martin Field.