Brandon Bell Excited for Senior Baseball Season; Shares About Commitment to Chatham

Graphic courtesy of Will Collins (MadeByWillCo)

Brandon “BBell” Bell is excited to prove himself this season for the Gateway Gators varsity baseball program. Though he’s committed to Chatham University, most of his recruitment has been due to his play on the travel ball circuit with Team All American.

Bell’s days in baseball started later than most. At the age of 10, he played organized ball for the first time. After playing catch growing up with his late grandfather, Vince Mandella, he encouraged Bell to start playing Little League. This eventually led to him beginning to play with Team All American a few years later, one of the most important decisions he’s made in his athletic career. 

“My coaches Dan Ninemire, Mike Pearson, John Bondi, and Zachary Salmon at Team All American have been by my side ever since I joined the program in 2018. They all have helped me through my recruiting process and to be the best version of myself. I also know they will continue to support me throughout my college career.”

Photo courtesy of Denise Bell

Bell has also had an immeasurable amount of support from parents Denise and Michael to help him achieve his college baseball dream, as well as from his late grandfather, Vince Mandella. From his parents taking him to tournaments all over the region, to his grandfather playing catch and helping him improve his skills in the field, the three of them have been instrumental in fueling his love for and skills in the game.

Playing baseball is something many in his family have done, including Baseball Hall of Famer Lenora “Smokey” Mandella. Mandella played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League from 1949-1951. 

So far in his career, the times with his travel baseball team at the hotels enjoying their time together and bonding over a game they all love have been his favorite moments baseball has brought him. Still, with a senior year of high school left and a full college career, many more will be made on the diamond.

Bell chose to stay close to home and become a Chatham Cougar because coaches Nic Rush and Trevor Beerman have made Chatham feel like home and been nothing but positive since they began communication with Bell. 

Just because his days in baseball began later than most does not mean his love for this game has not grown quickly. It’s a part of his heritage, and Bell is excited to continue to make a name for himself over the remaining years he’s involved with baseball.

Photo courtesy of Emily Bondi (Triple B Design)