Thousands of fans across the West Coast League traveled to Joe Martin Field for the 2025 WCL All-Star Game, Presented by Visit Bellingham, Wednesday where the North All-Stars defended their title from last year, defeating the South All-Stars 5-3.

The North All-Stars took a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning after Logan Shepherd and Trent Lenihan walked with the bases loaded and Tommy Markey hit a 2-RBI single. South scored three runs in the fifth inning when Xavier Rios hit an RBI double, and Andrew Estrella and Cooper Mullens hit RBI sacrifice fly balls.

North’s Jason Green scored the fifth run in the seventh inning off an RBI double.

The North All-Stars won the game, but the 3,300 fans in attendance were the winners throughout the day.

“It was a fun event as the fans got to see some really good players,” Bells coach Ed Knaggs said. “It is neat for the players because they get to mix a bit with others who they may have thought were knuckleheads, but are all good guys.”

The festivities began at 3 p.m. with a fan fest that included a DJ, bounce house, glitter tattoos, beer and food trucks.

“It was a pretty cool experience,” Bells player Nate Kirkpatrick said. “I have never heard this place so loud. It was pretty fun, and it was an overall great time.”

After the fan fest, the all-stars took part in a pro-style skills showcase with scouts, coaches and fans observing. The game followed with first pitch at 6:35 p.m.

Kirkpatrick got to team up with one of his former teammates and current Kamloops NorthPaws pitcher Mason Chien. Chien said he was glad to be on the home team side for the first time while entering Joe Martin Field.

“It’s crazy, especially pitching here,” Chien said. “The environment is at a different level. The fans are great, and it was an awesome game.”

Kirkpatrick said it was a cool experience seeing smiles on the players’ faces as they played their favorite sport in front of thousands of fans.

As the sun set and the game ended, the festivities concluded with a roaring fireworks display. People sitting in the left field grass pulled out lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the final experience before the all-star night ended.

“I loved that the Bells were hosting the game,” Bells fan Andrea Shenton said. “It’s a big shoutout to general manager Stephanie (Morrell). I also got to give a big shoutout to the all-star players coming out here.”

Before entering the All-Star break on July 15, the Bellingham Bells went on a four-game winning streak, including a series sweep against the Kamloops NorthPaws July 11-13.

The Bells (25-14, 7-5 in the second half) have five series left before hosting the first round of the West Coast League playoffs on Aug. 8. The Bells earned the first-seed of the North Division after winning the first half of the season with an 18-9 record.

Bellingham begins the post all-star break with a three-game home series against the Victoria Harbourcats on July 18-20. The Bells have beaten the Harbourcats two out of the three times this season, but Victoria has a two-and-a-half game lead over the Bells for the top spot in the North Division.

Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN’s sports reporter

reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com

360-922-3090 ext. 104.

(Photo Credit: Finn Wendt, Cascadia Daily News)