Bretts buy Bellingham Bells

Bellingham, Wash. -- The Bellingham Bells Baseball Club has been acquired by a group led by Bobby Brett and his brother, Baseball Hall of Famer George Brett. The Bells were sold by Tony Larson, who had owned the team since 2001.

The Brett family currently operates four successful sports franchises including the Spokane Indians Baseball Club, the Spokane Chiefs Hockey Club, the Tri-City Dust Devils Baseball Club and the High Desert Mavericks Baseball Club.

"We are excited to become a part of the Bellingham community," said Bobby Brett, the Bells new managing partner. "Joe Martin Stadium, with its recent renovations, is a very nice ballpark, and we look forward to providing the people of Bellingham affordable family entertainment in that ballpark."

The new ownership group also announced the team's new general manager and field manager. Dave Lewis, who served as the general manager of the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers for the past eight years, will be the Bells new general manager and a minority owner.

"It is a privilege to re-join Brett Sports as a partner in the new Bells ownership," stated Lewis. "I look forward to becoming a part of this community and a very bright future for the Bells."

Brandon Newell, a scout for the Milwaukee Brewers and former baseball player for Nooksack High School, University of Washington and New York Mets Minor League teams, will serve as the Bells Field Manager.

Newell stated, "I am honored to help usher in a new era of Bells Baseball. We will have a great team this season, headlined by many local players. We want to be successful, and also showcase the great talent the Bellingham area has developed."

"When you look at Dave, Brandon, and the rest of the ownership group, there is a whole lot of experience going into this organization," said Brett.

Brett stressed that there are certain hallmarks to Brett Sports teams that you will see with the Bells. "We believe in creating a great family-friendly environment, delivering unsurpassed customer service, and having success on the field."

The new Bells ownership group has already had positive discussions with the City of Bellingham regarding the team's use of Joe Martin Stadium. As part of a revised facility use agreement, the Bells have agreed to spend a minimum of $50,000 on stadium improvements within two years.

"I want to thank the City of Bellingham and its Parks and Recreation department for their attitude toward our purchase of the team and I look forward to a productive partnership between the Bells and the City," said Brett.

The Bellingham Bells are a member of the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League, a wood bat summer baseball league. The Bells have a long and storied history dating back to the leadership of Joe Martin in the early 1940's.

Opening Day for the Bellingham Bells is June 6, 2008. The rest of the schedule will be released soon. Season tickets for the 2008 season are on sale now. Please call the Bells office at (360) 527-1035 for ticket information.