The Bellingham Bells are thrilled to announce the signing of two University of California Golden Bears to the 2018 roster. Right-handed pitcher Carson Olson and outfielder Connor Mack will make the trip from Berkeley to Bellingham for the 2018 season.

Olson is a six-foot-two-inch right-handed pitcher out of Clovis, Calif. and is on the verge of his first season as a Bear. Olson is a 2017 graduate of Buchanan High School.

Olson has a low 90’s fastball with a plus curveball and also played some outfield for one of the nation’s perennial powerhouses at Buchanan High School. It was in his senior season where Olson truly came into form and excelled.

In his final prep season, Olson boasted a 12-0 record with a 1.42 ERA. Olson struck out 64 and held opponents to a mere .173 batting average against. He was named The Fresno Bee Player of the Year and was a MaxPreps All-State selection.

“We are excited to have Carson pitching for the Bells this summer,” Bells’ Manager Bob Miller said. “Carson is a quality right-handed pitcher with good velocity and pitchability. We expect him to make a big impact on our pitching staff.”

Playing in the outfield behind Olson this summer will be Connor Mack. Mack is originally from San Jose, Calif. and attended Bellarmine College Prep High School.

Mack, the six-foot-three-inch outfielder, enjoyed an illustrious career at the prep level capped off by a WCAL Player of the Year award after his senior season. Mack slashed .357/.452/.595 as a senior with four homers, four triples, and 18 doubles throughout his career.

Mack was also a prolific base stealer in high school, amassing 35 steals in 37 attempts over his four-year career. He was named to the MaxPreps All-Second team in 2017.

“Connor is a talented outfielder,” Miller said. “He has a solid blend of speed and power with plus arm strength. We expect Connor to be a force in our line up.”

Mack spent the summer after his graduation with the Utah Marshalls and helped the team to a 70-11 record, winning the Phil Singer Championship.

“We are excited to add both of these players to our roster. Both Carson and Connor are talented players and quality young men,” Miller said. “They both are expected to make an impact in their college program, and therefore should be key contributors for the Bells this summer.”

The Bells will open the season on the road as they take on the Kelowna Falcons on June 1.

Release Courtesy of the Bellingham Bells