The 2024 West Coast League All-Star Game returned to Bellingham Wednesday, July 17 after nearly a decade, with a packed Joe Martin Stadium, festive atmosphere and a national streaming presence.
Since the Bells were chosen to host the game under a new bidding system, the team was able to create a unique gameday experience.
“We were really happy because when you try and do that much, not everything is going to go perfect but it was close to perfect,” Bells general manager Stephanie Morrell said. “I really enjoyed that it was a blank canvas and we got to enjoy how our vision played out.”
Gallery: WCL All-Star Game shows off Bellingham spirit
Fifty-one players from 16 WCL teams traveled to Bellingham to be honored as all stars. Bellingham last hosted the all-star game in 2015, and Wednesday was the first all-star game held since 2019. The match ended with the North Division completing a walk-off win against the South Division.
Edmonton Riverhawks infielder Michael Soper said it felt great to see the work he put in being acknowledged.
“I have to thank the coaches and teammates for getting me here,” Soper said. “The (Bells) got a good fanbase and the community gets into it so it is a great place to play.”
The eight Bells players honored included catcher Conner Smith, first baseman Jacob Mejia, shortstop Roman Martin, third baseman Nate Kirkpatrick, and pitchers Josh Flaugher, Tyler Van Dyke, Ryan Beitel and Nic Peterson. The Bells are part of the West Coast League, a collegiate summer wooden bat league with 16 teams spanning Oregon, Washington and parts of Canada.
Before the game started, fans from Bend to Edmonton attended festivities that began at 3 p.m. with the Fan Fest, the first event of the day. The fest included three food trucks, a DJ at the front gate, a bounce house and games on the left field lawn, glitter tattoos and a popup shop from local sports card shop Ryno’s.
“We are a small market team so our brand is being a family-friendly experience for everyone,” Morrell said. “The atmosphere was electric.”
Tacoma resident Bailee Jones attended the game with his brother Kaiden to support their friend Riley Paulino from the Nanaimo Nightowls.
Before the game action, during the Pro Skills Showcase, each all-star had the opportunity to showcase running, fielding and batting abilities to local scouts.
“It’s a huge opportunity to show what they got,” Bells assistant coach Riley Parker said.
Once the showcase ended, the pre-game ceremony began with Richard Martin, Joe Martin’s son, throwing the first pitch, the national anthem sung by the Squalicum High choir and the crowd ringing cowbells.
“I couldn’t think of a better place for the All-Star Game to come back than Bellingham,” Bells assistant coach Josh Robbins said. “It is the best atmosphere in the West Coast League.”
More than 3,100 fans attended a close matchup between the North and South mascots competing in olympic events and the North All-Star squad defeating the South 3-2.
Major League Baseball brought in Tyler Maun, former Seattle Mariner Ryan Rowland-Smith and MLB Pipeline’s Sam Dykstra as the announcing crew.
“There have been a lot of texts and emails and from all fans around the league saying how amazing it was and how proud they were,” Morrell said. “There was a lot of pride showing the Bellingham experience.”
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.
