Brian Bello was one of the Alaska League's top offensive threats in 2009 and earned a spot on the season's All-ABL team. The Mesa State senior is returning to the Anchorage Bucs for the 2010 season and is looking to improve upon last year's strong showing. I exchanged e-mails with Brian to see how he feels about his upcoming ABL campaign:49th State Hardball: You're returning to the Bucs after a successful season in 2009. What is your favorite part about playing ball in Alaska?
Brian Bello: I really like the level of talent in the Alaska League. It's a very competitive league which forces players to get better. I also really like the fact that I get to experience Alaska. Many people go their whole lives without getting the opportunity to get out there and I get to visit as well as play baseball.
49HB: Do you have any personal goals for this season in the ABL?
BB: I would like to return and become the league's MVP this year.
49HB: What do you think your most significant assets are?
BB: My most significant assets are my speed and ability to anticipate where the ball is going to be hit.
49HB: What part of your game are you hoping to improve upon most this season?
BB: Limiting the number of strikeouts I have.
49HB: In 2009, you led the
BB: I plan on having a repeat performance.
49HB: And the last, and most important question: if you could have one at-bat against any pitcher, living or dead, who would it be?
BB: Nolan Ryan, he was the toughest and one of the smartest pitchers alive and I would love to challenge him.
Photo courtesy of AnchorageBucs.com
jjack..
ReplyDeleteI very much enjoyed your blog lately as I'am a big fan of the ABL...be careful about where you get your information and not appearing bias towards any one or two teams...for instance while I think Brian Bello was a good player to watch last summer and look forward to his return...he did not lead the league in Home Runs..nor was he top 3 in several hitting catagories..only one...Mr. Bello was not even top 10 in hitting in the league..I suspect those "Stats" came from a team resource rather than the official league statistician..Keep on blogging..it's fun!!!..just be factual.
Thanks for your constructive criticism. I *thought* I pulled the stats from the official league records, so if I made a mistake it is totally on me, and not anyone with the team. I will double-check the statistics and print a retraction if I am indeed in error (or clarify if I wrote something misleading).
ReplyDeleteAnyway. I really try to be as unbiased as possible, and I think that generally I am. Yes I have a 'favorite' team but I am more a fan of the league in general and I try not to let any biases bleed through. I would like to point out something that's been kind of bugging me lately, that I've been writing pretty much all about the Bucs and Panners lately, and that's not because they're my two favorites but because I can't feature/interview players on other teams until I get their rosters.
But seriously, thanks for your comment. I think I'm pretty good at writing and internet stuff but I know that there are people out there who know more about the ABL and baseball in general than I do. And of course everyone makes mistakes and I'm definitely no exception. So if I write something that isn't 100% on the level, please let me know. Again, I'll double check on those stats and be more careful in the future.
OK, I figured out what I did wrong. Those rankings are for team stats. I meant to write "the Bucs" but wrote "the ABL"...which is a pretty big difference! Not to take anything away from Brian, though, because I still think he is an exciting player.
ReplyDeleteLeast we forget, Brian Bello made several amazing defensive gems in centerfield last season for the Bucs.
ReplyDeleteLot of players better then Bello last year.
ReplyDeleteNo love for Brian, Anonymous?
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't say he was the best player. I would say he was in the top 10 hitters, though.
As far as the interview goes, I wanted his perspective as a returning player.
ill give brian some props cause i played with him in the 09' summer with the bucs
ReplyDeleteJason, thanks for the input. Good to hear from a player. Plus since you agree with me I'll write good things about you.
ReplyDeleteThat last part's a joke, I write good things about everybody.
Bello made some of the most ridiculous catches and had great power at the plate.
ReplyDelete