It might not be “Major League” in the literal sense. But the homespun atmosphere at Bellingham Bells summer games have made it a growing tradition for fans of fresh air and line drives who’d rather skip the commute to Seattle for a Mariners game.
The Wednesday, July 3 game against the Bend Elks was a perfect example of a tradition of the Bellingham community supporting its wooden bat collegiate squad.
Joe Martin Stadium’s capacity is around 3,000 people and nearly every Bells game is sold out for a reason, worthy of a recap for newcomers (including the author):
- There’s an emphasis on camaraderie and fun. Bells fans are welcomed by Dinger, the team mascot, the staff, players and more when they first walk into the stadium.
- Fans are only paying between $8 to $12 for a ticket compared to using half of a tank of gas, paying $40 for parking and at least another $25 to sit 300 feet away from home plate at a Mariners game.
- This experience is really family-friendly and I have been to many ballparks. Fans of the game will recognize that this one is intimate; you can see the sweat dripping off the players’ noses. Many fans love to cheer them on.
Joel Rautiola, a Bellingham fan, said he loves to come to Bellingham Bells games because they play at a high level, the entire game is close at hand and parking is free. Even though some fans do not know the players on a personal level, the support for the players is palpable.
“We love to cheer them on because we know they aren’t being paid, so our energy is their payment,” Rautiola said.
Fans are provided with several options to keep them tuned in. Fans arriving at Wednesday night’s game against the Elks were handed something extra — a giveaway of a fanny pack. Afterward, several fans, including Joel’s wife Suzanne, grabbed a Hampler’s hot dog and beer for about $10.
Gallery: Bells fans fill stadium for fireworks night
While the parents usually find the general admission seats, kids can explore the stadium aimlessly. Kids can hang out in the outfield, play along the first or third base dugouts or enjoy walking around the concourse. Plus, the Bells provide mini-games in between each inning, including the fan-favorite of toddlers running across the diamond.
“It is so fun to watch the kids run, it is so adorable,” season ticket holder Diana Laninga said.
When the game begins, the crowd starts to roar. Fans are typically supportive of both teams — unless there is a chance for a free Dairy Queen Deluxe burger if an opponent strikes out.
Once the game is over, hundreds of kids pack the first base dugout, nearly trampling the players and other fans to get autographs of each player and coach.
After the kids fill their baseballs and hats with signatures, the fans crowd into the parking lot to leave with smiles. Wednesday’s game brought extra excitement — fireworks. The show was a bit tough to watch since it was still daylight, but fans enjoyed the experience until the finale.
Plus, families were able to represent in red, white and blue while watching a national pastime.
“We should celebrate July Fourth with an apple pie and baseball,” Niekolaas Laninga said.
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.
