Interview by Abernathy Cochran intern and Gainesville High School senior Grady Vardeman

Meet Harris Bell! Harris is a senior at Gainesville High School and a long time Red Elephant baseball starter. He recently committed to play baseball at Delta State in Mississippi as a pitcher and is looking forward to playing for the Fighting Okras! With Harris’s intimidating fastball, he should be a great weapon for the Red Elephants this year. Gainesville’s first home game will be Feb. 25.
Harris’ parents are Robert and Sarah Bell; he has two siblings: Mary Nelson and Stewart.
We want to thank Harris for spending time with us recently and telling us more about his life and love of Hall County.

Question: What led you to play baseball over other sports?
Answer: “Baseball was the sport all my other friends were playing and the one I felt the most comfortable with. Some of my teammates right now go back to 9U. So, it’s really cool to see how we’ve all stuck together.”

Q: How do you feel about the upcoming season for Gainesville?
A: “Last year was really hard year for us, but I think we have something really special this year. Gainesville is always known to be the best of the best and with the work we’ve put in this off season I think we can live up to that standard.”

Q: Favorite pitch? And why?
A: “Has to be my fastball, I can throw it anytime and anywhere. It’s the pitch I have the most confidence in and never seems to fail me.”

Q: How long have you lived in Hall County?
A: “Seventeen years now, born and raised in Gainesville.”

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now where would it be? And why?
A: “I’ve been to Cooperstown when I was about 12, but I’d like to go back and see Mariano Rivera since he was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame.”

Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: “’Talladega Nights.’”

Q: What is your favorite memory from high school baseball?
A: “The St. Simon’s trip the baseball team did last year. We’re doing it again this year and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Q: What motto does the Gainesville baseball team have?
A: “Do what you’re supposed to be doing and be where you’re supposed to be. If everyone is doing their part for the team we will win games.”

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “I don’t know if this counts, but I have a bet with my teammate Grady Vardeman to see who can hit more home runs this year. We tied last year so I’m hoping really beat him this year.”

Q: What current or former local business makes you most nostalgic about Hall County?
A: “Longstreet.”

Q: Choosing any active or non-active MLB player who would have with? And where?
A: “Aroldis Chapman and lunch at The Collegiate.”

Q: What 3 words or phrases that come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: “Family, loving, forgiving.”