Ernie Yake will not have to travel far to play baseball this summer. The Bellingham, Wash. native and Squalicum High School graduate, will be staying home to play for his hometown team, the Bellingham Bells, during the 2017 season.

“Fans who have recently followed Whatcom County baseball are already familiar with Ernie and the special player he is,” Bells’ general manager Stephanie Morrell said. “We are thrilled to have Ernie represent Bellingham on the Bells roster this summer.”

Yake is in his freshman year at Gonzaga, where the infielder is expected to redshirt. Prior to joining the Bulldogs, Yake was one of the top players in Whatcom County and Washington State. At Squalicum as a senior, Yake hit .525 with 24 runs batted in and 16 stolen bases, earning MVP of the Northwest Conference League and first team All-State honors. Yake was a two-time All-State selection and three-time All-Northwest Conference honoree with the Storm. Yake also played Legion ball for the prestigious American Legion Post 7 AAA team in Bellingham, racking up 53 runs scored and a .470 average for the club during summer 2016.

“Ernie is fun to watch,” Bells’ general manager Stephanie Morrell said. “As a player, he’s incredibly athletic and versatile. Beyond that, he is a hard worker and a great teammate.  Ernie is a great addition to the roster who will really help the Bells this summer.”

Yake joins second year Bell Josh Zavisubin as the local talent representing Bellingham and Whatcom County on the Bells during the summer of 2017. In 2016, outfielder Austin Shenton, graduate of Bellingham High School, right-handed pitcher David Stealy, alumni of Squalicum High School and Zavisubin, formerly of Sehome High School, all made major contributions to the Bells’ WCL Championship Series appearance.

Yake, Zavisubin and the 2017 Bells will look to begin another successful campaign on Friday June 2nd against the Gresham GreyWolves at Joe Martin Field.

 

About the Bellingham Bells:

The Bellingham Bells are a summer, wood bat, collegiate baseball team that plays in the West Coast League (www.westcoastleague.com).  The Bells play their home games at Joe Martin Field in Bellingham and their field staff includes Greg Goetz (Head Coach), Jim Clem (Assistant Coach/Pitching), Jake Whisler (Assistant Coach) and Rick Teegarden (Assistant Coach).  Former Bells players who have spent time in Major League Baseball include:  Jeff Francis (Colorado Rockies), Kevin Richardson (Texas Rangers), Ty Taubenheim (Toronto Blue Jays) and Marc Rzepczynski (Seattle Mariners).

 

Contact:
Bellingham Bells (www.bellinghambells.com)

Stephanie Morrell

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (360) 746-0409