When it comes to being consistent, Bellingham Bells third baseman Nate Kirkpatrick believes it takes hard work, proper training and a positive attitude.
“I have to be constantly working every day to get a little bit better, and going to the gym and field every day has helped me get to that next step,” Kirkpatrick said.
Kirkpatrick, 20, has become one of the best players in the West Coast League in his third season with the Bells, and was one of eight on his team to be chosen as a 2024 WCL All-Star.
“Nate’s a real hard worker and he trains very hard,” Bells coach Bob Ralston said. “He is one of the top third basemen in the league, defensively. He can make a play down the line and is a very good defender.”
Kirkpatrick grew up in Surrey, British Columbia, and began swinging a bat around the house at age 3 when he watched the Toronto Blue Jays on television.
“Baseball in the lower mainland is starting to rival hockey and there is a great group of baseball players,” Kirkpatrick said.
He became a household name in British Columbia when he was 12. Kirkpatrick was a member of Team Canada in the 2015 Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Even though Canada lost out in two games, they were one of eight international teams represented in the tournament.
Years later, Kirkpatrick completed his high school career ranked as the third-best shortstop in Canada by Perfect Game, and led the Langley Blaze to the Premier Baseball League Provincial Championship in 2021.
Kirkpatrick said his success came from “having a good mindset every day. I feel like I could be more consistent instead of going through hot and cold streaks, but who doesn’t want that.”
Kirkpatrick began his collegiate career at Saint Mary’s College of California but struggled to make an impact. In his freshman year, Kirkpatrick played in nine games and held a .143 batting average. Before playing at St. Mary’s, Kirkpatrick traveled to Ridgefield for his first stint in the WCL.
Kirkpatrick suited up for 19 games as the third baseman and held a .172 batting average with 10 hits and seven RBIs. Since his freshman campaign, Kirkpatrick’s skills have improved.
Kirkpatrick finished his first season with the Bells in 2023 by playing 40 games with a .202 batting average, 26 hits, 11 RBIs and five stolen bases.
This season, Kirkpatrick ranks second in the WCL in hits (60), fifth in doubles (12), 15th in RBIs (27), 14th in batting average (.319) and holds a .965 fielding percentage. He ripped off a 12-game hitting streak and has seven stolen bases.
“At the plate, he gets his money’s worth and takes good swings,” Ralston said. “Every time he steps into the box, we have a chance to score some runs.”
Kirkpatrick said worrying about numbers and stats can quickly bury a player.
“It’s about every single day taking good at-bats,” Kirkpatrick said. “Whether you pop out or get a hit, take your best at-bat every time.”
Kirkpatrick believes the Bells are a key component for his consistent improvement. Even if he has a bad game, the Bellingham community will show their support, and his teammates and coaches will trust him to get back onto the field the next day to perform better.
“The key to success for the Bells every summer really relies on the commitment of the student-athletes and to give it their all every day,” Bells General Manager Stephanie Morrell said. “I can’t think of anyone who has filled that role better than Nate. He shows up 100 percent every day, plays hard and works hard to get better.”
Kirkpatrick also believes his longer leg kick along with his calm mindset has allowed him to develop. This season, he has a lot riding on his performance.
Kirkpatrick entered the transfer portal after his freshman season. He recently committed to Virginia Commonwealth University, a Division 1 school in Richmond, Virginia.
“Nate has been a great addition to the program over the past two years,” Morrell said. “He has really embraced our culture fully. He loves being a Bell and you can tell.”
The story was updated on August 2 at 10 a.m. to include information about Nate Kirkpatrick playing at Ridgefield in the 2022 WCL season and recently committing to Virginia Commonwealth University for his sophomore year.
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.
