By ADRIENNE HARRISON
City of Bainbridge Communications

Stanley Bell, a native of Bainbridge, has been hired as the new Athletic Director for Bainbridge Leisure Services. Bell has been tasked with managing Bill Reynolds Sports Park, as well as coordinating all of the city’s baseball, softball and adult sports leagues.

A 2002 graduate of Bainbridge High School, Bell was a member of the BHS baseball team, where he played for Coaches Heath Horn and El Willis.  After graduation, Bell attended Albany State University and was a pitcher for the Rams.  While there, they earned three SIAC Conference Championships in 2003, 2004 and 2006. Bell earned a degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from ASU in 2007.

After graduation, Bell joined the staff of Albany Parks and Recreation as a Recreation Supervisor, focusing on adult sports and assisting with their youth sports programs.

Bell truly has a passion for baseball. His hope is to continue to provide recreation opportunities to the citizens of Bainbridge, kids and adults alike. Currently, Bainbridge Leisure Services offers programs for all ages including men’s softball, co-ed softball, co-ed flag football, youth baseball and softball, and youth football and cheerleading.

“Leisure Services has great participation in all of its leagues,” Bell said. “I hope we can move our programs forward, especially the kids’ programs. It is so impressive to be at the ball fields and see all those kids!”

Bell’s hope is to start teaching area youth the foundations of baseball and softball by offering more clinics throughout the year that teach proper game techniques such as pitching, throwing and fielding.

Bell is excited to be back in Bainbridge and is proud of the sports park that he serves.

“Bill Reynolds Sports Park is one of the nicest facilities in the area,” Bell said. It is Bell’s goal to work on attracting more tournaments to Bainbridge and he has been busy working with tournament directors from throughout the Southeast.

Bell also offers private lessons, which can be tailored to fit any child’s needs, whether it be fielding, throwing or pitching.