Bill Belew
Career Overview
Bill Belew competed from 1982 through 1989 and stands as one of the foundational figures of early West Coast beep baseball.
He began with the Bay Area All Stars, also known as the Lions, from 1982 through 1983 and later played for the North Bay Nemesis of San Francisco from 1984 through 1989. During a formative era for the sport, Bill helped establish competitive excellence in the Bay Area while also strengthening the infrastructure that allowed the game to grow.
He was named to the NBBA 30th Anniversary All Time Team 1976–2006, recognizing his place among the league’s most impactful players of its first three decades.
World Series Honors
Bill earned five NBBA World Series All Star selections and was named World Series MVP in 1985 while competing with North Bay, helping the team secure a third place finish.
His performance during the mid 1980s positioned him among the elite competitors of that era and cemented his reputation as a leader on the national stage.
Leadership Beyond the Field
Bill’s impact extended well beyond playing. He served as Chairman of the 1986 NBBA World Series Committee when the tournament was hosted at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California.
His leadership in organizing that World Series demonstrated the same commitment and dedication that defined his playing career.
In reflecting on the development of beep baseball in the Bay Area, Bill expressed deep gratitude:
“First of all, I thank Vernon Smith and Ron Yee. They were the main people who got beepball going in the bay area. Vernon recruited players and found volunteers from about 1975 on. Ron Yee pitched, spotted, picked up and dropped off players, helped set up the field and more.”
His acknowledgment of those early contributors highlights the collaborative spirit that built the sport.
A Prophetic Plea
In the welcome letter for the 1986 World Series program, Bill concluded with a call to action that remains relevant decades later:
“I have mentioned some of the ways in which beep baseball has contributed to my life and I believe that it has something unique to give to anyone who participates. Obviously we cannot just take from sport, we must all give something back to it. I would like to ask that each of you do something in your own way to strengthen the game. Whether you do something small or large isn’t important, but whatever you do, let your guide be a personal commitment that beep baseball will continue to be available to anyone who wants to enjoy it.”
“Thank you,
Bill Belew”
Legacy
Bill Belew represents the spirit of the Legends and Heroes of Beep Baseball. A five time World Series All Star, 1985 MVP, World Series organizer, and advocate for the game’s growth, he embodied both excellence and stewardship.
His 2025 induction honors not only his competitive achievements, but his enduring message that the future of beep baseball depends on each generation giving back to the game that has given so much.