Way to return to Bellingham Bells of West Coast League
Brian Way
The West Coast League baseball team announced that the 21-year-old Alaskan would return – and why not? The big dude dealt last year.
The 6-foot-7 right-hander flashed nice numbers with a 4-0 record, 7 saves and a 1.56 ERA in 17 appearances.
“Brian is an extremely gifted pitcher,” Bells’ Vice President of Operations Nick Caples told the team’s website. “The key to his success is that he keeps the opposition off of the base paths. When you can do that with consistency, you give your team a great chance to win games.
“He has showcased to the fans what he is capable of and I know that everyone is excited to see him out there.”
Way, of Sitka High fame, played a pivotal role coming out of the bullpen for Bellingham, which finished atop the West Division with a 33-21 record.
“I had a great time this summer,” Way told me. “The Bells know how to greet you up there. It’s a great town to play for the summer.”
The West Coast League is one of the premier summer baseball leagues in the country.
“Throwing against more experienced hitters in the WCL made be more precise with all of my pitches and it forced me not to make as many mistakes or when I did I missed off the plate,” Way said.
He is entering his sophomore season at Edmonds Community College in Washington. As a freshman he put up impressive stats with a 6-2 record, four shutouts and 1.76 in 15 starts.
He’s looking for another big year.
“Never worked so hard for a season in my life,” Way said. “I’m ready.”