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Bellingham Bells

Bells Add Three More for Summer

May 22, 2019 - West Coast League (WCL)
Bellingham Bells News Release


BELLINGHAM, Wash. - The Bellingham Bells have announced three more players will join the 2019 roster. Two pitchers, Gonzaga's Matthew Henckel and Oklahoma State's John Kelly, along with Stanford outfield commit Cole Hinkelman, will call Joe Martin Field home this summer.

Henckel, a left-hander from Gig Harbor, Wash., is currently a redshirt junior in his second year at Gonzaga. He has made eight appearances, including two starts, this season after appearing in three games for the Bulldogs last year.

Henckel spent his freshman season at Tacoma Community College after four years at Gig Harbor High School, where he posted a 0.79 ERA with 67 strikeouts as a senior. He was named his team's MVP, and earned first team All-Narrows League honors for his efforts.

"Matt is an experienced arm who will add a lot of depth and maturity to our bullpen," Bells general manager Stephanie Morrell said. "He is a player who we expect will make big contributions to the team."

Kelly is a freshman right-hander who has made five bullpen appearances for Oklahoma State this season. The Rutherford, N.J. native is sporting a 1-0 record with a 1.69 ERA and eight strikeouts in 5.1 innings pitched.

"John has made the most of his opportunities this season," Morrell said. "He shows poise and the ability to make hitters really work. We look forward to him coming to Bellingham and think he will be a nice addition to the staff."

Recruited by a number of college baseball powers, Kelly joined the Cowboys after a successful career at Rutherford High School. There, he sported a combined 1.14 ERA with 121 strikeouts in 74 innings over his junior and senior years. A fantastic prep hitter, as well, Kelly was a three-time All-NJIC Colonial Division first-team selection or his work at the plate and on the mound.

Hinkelman, who hails from Sammamish, Wash., is set to graduate from Skyline High School before heading to Stanford in the fall. Through 20 games this season, he's hitting .333 with three homeruns and 14 RBIs. He's also swiped 10 bags in 11 attempts.

"Cole is a player who comes very highly regarded in the Greater Seattle Area," Morrell said. "He's known for being very athletic and talented, but furthermore is known as a great teammate and competitor. Cole is a great addition to the roster."

Henckel, Kelly, Hinkelman, and the rest of the Bells will kick off their 2019 campaign on June 4 against the Kelowna Falcons at Joe Martin Field.

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