Some sports fans like to look at things as black and white: If your team didn’t win the championship, the season is a failure. Others take a broader view: Did the team do its absolute best and represent the city and organization well?
Bellingham Bells head coach Jim Clem thinks this year’s squad fits the latter description.
Bellingham’s Aug. 12 loss to the Victoria HarbourCats in the West Coast League’s North Division Championship game ended the team’s 2023 season. But the Bells finished the season with a 35-18 regular season record, swept their first-round divisional opponent, the Kelowna Falcons, and lost a nail-biter in the division championship, falling only one game shy of the WCL championship.
“I just don’t have anything but great things to say about this group of guys,” Clem said. “They played their hearts out all summer, continued to do so through the playoffs and put themselves in a position to advance.”
Looking for a sweep, Jim Clem talks about the next day’s game after the Bells beat the Kelowna Falcons for the second time in June. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)
While Bells players return to their respective colleges, the team leaves behind lasting memories for the city and its supporters. After home games, players could be found signing autographs and taking pictures with fans in the stadium. Those are moments that kids never forget — often inspiring them to one day reach the same heights. Like many of the fans, Clem also cherishes the season and doesn’t expect to ever forget the team.
“I love these guys. I mean it. That’s sincere,” he said. “I just feel like they gave us everything they had. Their attitude every day was top-notch, their work ethic was top-notch, their ability to overcome adversity was exceptional. A lot of them kind of grew up right before you. This was a special group.”
In addition to his players, Clem credited the organization from top to bottom, singling out General Manager Stephanie Morrell for her hard work and influence on the team.
“[Morrell’s] second to none,” Clem said. “She’s really the best and was a huge help to our team. And the coaching staff, every one of them was an exceptional coach. And then Bells Nation, all the people that support the Bells, [the players] will never forget this experience.”
