Heath Bell: Difference between revisions
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* [[Major League Baseball Delivery Man Award|Delivery Man of the Year Award]] (2010) |
* [[Major League Baseball Delivery Man Award|Delivery Man of the Year Award]] (2010) |
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'''Heath Justin Bell''' (born September 29, 1977) is an American professional [[baseball]] [[relief pitcher]] for the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]] of [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB). While playing with the [[San Diego Padres]], he was a three-time [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] and twice won the [[Rolaids Relief Man Award]]. He was also awarded the [[DHL Delivery Man Award|DHL Delivery Man of the Year Award]] and [[The Sporting News Reliever of the Year Award|''The Sporting News'' Reliever of the Year Award]]. |
'''Heath Justin Bell''' (born September 29, 1977) is an American professional [[baseball]] [[relief pitcher]] for the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]] of [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB). While playing with the [[San Diego Padres]], he was a three-time [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] and twice won the [[Rolaids Relief Man Award]]. He was also awarded the [[DHL Delivery Man Award|DHL Delivery Man of the Year Award]] and [[The Sporting News Reliever of the Year Award|''The Sporting News'' Reliever of the Year Award]]. |
Revision as of 20:03, 16 April 2013
Heath Bell | |
---|---|
![]() Bell in 2009 with the San Diego Padres. | |
Arizona Diamondbacks – No. 21 | |
Relief pitcher | |
Born: Oceanside, California | September 29, 1977|
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |
debut | |
August 24, 2004, for the New York Mets | |
Career statistics (through April 12, 2013) | |
Win-loss record | 32–29 |
Earned run average | 3.34 |
Strikeouts | 558 |
Saves | 154 |
Teams | |
| |
Career highlights and awards | |
|
Heath Justin Bell (born September 29, 1977) is an American professional baseball relief pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball (MLB). While playing with the San Diego Padres, he was a three-time All-Star and twice won the Rolaids Relief Man Award. He was also awarded the DHL Delivery Man of the Year Award and The Sporting News Reliever of the Year Award.
Bell played multiple sports, including baseball, in high school. He moved on to community college, where he was an All-American. He began his professional career with the New York Mets, making his major league debut in 2004, and spending three seasons at both the minor and major league levels. In 2007, he was traded to San Diego, where he was a setup pitcher before replacing Trevor Hoffman as the Padres' closer. From 2010–2011, Bell successfully converted 41 straight save opportunities, tied for the sixth longest streak in MLB history. A free agent after the 2011 season, he signed with the Miami Marlins. He struggled in his only season in Miami before being traded to Arizona.
Early years
Bell was born in Oceanside, California. He attended Columbus Tustin Middle School and Tustin High School in Tustin, California, which is about 50 miles (80 km) from Oceanside. He lettered in football, basketball, and baseball.[1]
Bell attended Santiago Canyon College where he was named a freshman All-American in 1997.[2][3] In 1997 Bell made two appearances in the National Baseball Congress world series while playing for the El Dorado Broncos. He did not give up any runs and was named the league's Graduate of the Year in 2011.[4] He was selected by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 69th round of the 1997 amateur draft.[1]
Pro career
New York Mets
Bell did not begin his professional career until 1998, when he signed with the New York Mets as an undrafted free agent.[1] He made his major league debut on August 24, 2004 pitching two scoreless innings with three strikeouts against the San Diego Padres.[1] The righty spent the next two seasons shuttling between the Mets and their Triple-A affiliate Norfolk. Bell said coaches in the Mets' minor leagues told him his best opportunity to succeed was to leave the organization as other people did not believe in him.[3]
San Diego Padres
On November 15, 2006, Bell was traded to San Diego, along with pitcher Royce Ring, for outfielder Ben Johnson and relief pitcher Jon Adkins.[5] He was part of the Padres bullpen, where he replaced Scott Linebrink as the 8th inning setup man before Trevor Hoffman closed games.[6] In 2009, Hoffman signed with the Milwaukee Brewers and Bell was promoted to closer. Bell sprints from the bullpen[7] and into a save situation accompanied by the song “Blow Me Away” by Breaking Benjamin.[8] Bell's save situations are referred to by fans as "Bell's Hell", a play on Hoffman's famous "Hells Bells".[9]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/53/Heath_Bell_congratulated_after_save.jpg/220px-Heath_Bell_congratulated_after_save.jpg)
In 2009, Bell was named MLB Delivery Man of the Month in April after converting all eight of his save opportunities in 8+2⁄3 scoreless innings of work while striking out nine batters.[10] He was named to the National League (NL) All-Star Team on July 5. He, along with teammate Adrian Gonzalez, represented the Padres at the 2009 MLB All-Star Game in St. Louis on July 14. Bell came on in the 8th inning and gave up a triple to Curtis Granderson followed by a sacrifice fly to Adam Jones to make the score 4–3 in the American League's favor; Bell was the losing pitcher in the game. Bell ended the 2009 season leading the National League in saves with 42 in his first year as a full-time closer. He won the NL Rolaids Relief Man Award[11]
In 2010, Bell was named to his second consecutive NL All-Star team in July. Starting May 29, he converted 34 consecutive saves to end the season, the longest streak by a Padres since Hoffman. Bell collected saves on a season-high four consecutive days from August 10–13. For the year, Bell had a career-high 47 saves, which ranked second in MLB and was second in team history behind Hoffman's 53 in 1998. Bell's .940 save percentage (47 of 50) led all of MLB. He did not allow any of his nine inherited runners to score, and he had six saves of more than one inning pitched. Bell won the DHL Delivery Man of the Year Award, The Sporting News NL Reliever of the Year Award, and the NL Rolaids Relief Man Award.[12][13][14]
Bell was the highest paid Padres player in 2011 at $7.5 million salary and would be eligible for free agency at the end of the season.[15] He converted his first seven save opportunities of 2011, which tied him with Hoffman for the Padres club record of 41 consecutive successful save conversions. The streak also tied him with Hoffman and Rod Beck for the then-fourth longest in MLB history.[16] Bell blew his next save opportunity, a 3–0 lead, after he opened the ninth inning walking the first two batters, and third baseman Chase Headley made a two-out, two-run throwing error to tie the game.[17] On May 14, Bell recorded his 100th career save in a 9–7 win over the Colorado Rockies.[18] Bell was selected to his third consecutive All-Star game. Entering the game in the eight inning, Bell sprinted from the bullpen and did a slide in front of the pitcher's mound, taking out a chunk of the infield grass and leaving grass stains on his pants. "I wanted the fans to have fun with this," said Bell.[7][19][20] With the team 12 games under .500 coming out of the All-Star break, general manager Jed Hoyer said the Padres would pursue a long-term contract with Bell if they did not get a desirable trade offer for him.[21][22] Ultimately Bell was not traded at the non-waiver trade deadline on July 31, but Hoyer admitted Bell's greatest value to the team might come as a free agent if Bell refuses salary arbitration and signs elsewhere—the Padres would receive two first-round draft picks in June 2012 as compensation.[23][24] Bell said he planned to accept arbitration from the Padres if they did not agree on a multi-year deal.[25] He finished the season 43 of 48 in save opportunities with a 2.44 ERA, but he struck out less than 30 percent of all opponents’ at-bats for the first time as a Padre.[26][27]
Bell wanted a three-year contract from the Padres, who instead offered two years with an option for 2014. Talks stalled after Hoyer left the Padres and was replaced by Josh Byrnes as general manager. The Padres offered arbitration, but Bell backed away from his earlier intention to accept arbitration. The Miami Marlins, the Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim were also interested in signing him. Bell had a 27–19 record with a 2.53 earned run average and 134 saves in 354 appearances with the Padres over five seasons.[27] His 132 saves in the last three seasons led the majors.[28]
Miami Marlins
On December 1, 2011, Bell agreed to a three-year, $27 million contract with the Miami Marlins pending a physical.[29] The deal became official on December 5.[30] He was temporarily demoted from the closer role in May after beginning the 2012 season blowing four of his first seven save opportunities with an 0–3 record and an 11.42 ERA in 11 games.[28][31] Bell said he had been battling an undisclosed personal issue, and he felt "completely lost" in Miami being apart from his family.[31]
On May 11, 2012, Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen placed Bell back to the closer role,[32] and his ERA finally dropped below 10.00 later that month.[33][34] He was again demoted after the All-Star break, when he was 2-5 with a 6.75 ERA and six blown saves in 25 opportunities,[35] and Steve Cishek assumed the closer role.[36] Late in the season, a rift between Bell and Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen developed with each proclaiming waning respect for one another. Bell acknowledged his teammates likely lost respect for him after the incident.[37] Bell had an 0.69 ERA over his last 13 appearances before blowing a 3–0 lead in the eighth inning in his last game of the year. He ended the season 4–5 with a 5.09 ERA and 19-for-27 in save chances.[38][39]
Arizona Diamondbacks
On October 20, 2012, the Marlins traded Bell to the Arizona Diamondbacks in a three-team trade in which the Marlins acquired minor leaguer Yordy Cabrera. Arizona already had incumbent closer J. J. Putz. The Marlins agreed to pay $8 million of the remaining $21 million still owed Bell over the subsequent two years.[40] He began the season as a middle reliever behind Putz and setup man David Hernandez.[41]
Scouting report
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/95/Heath_Bell_San_Diego_Padres.jpg/220px-Heath_Bell_San_Diego_Padres.jpg)
Generally a power pitcher, Bell has averaged nearly a full strikeout per inning but also proved to be hittable in his 2005 sophomore season allowing 10.8 hits per nine innings and a very high 5.59 earned run average. Bell has a 94–98 mph fastball, usually sitting between 95 and 96. He also has an 11–5 curveball in the low 80s.[42] Keith Law of ESPN wrote in 2011 that Bell has a straight fastball and pitches in the upper half of the zone, and benefited from pitching in the spacious Petco Park as a Padre.[43]
Personal information
Bell is married to Nicole, and they have four children.[44] They reside in San Diego.[15] Bell's cousin is actor and musician Drake Bell. Former basketball player Erik Meek is also his cousin.[45]
Bell joined the Hope For Leadership Foundation, a Christian-based movement that promotes sports and civic programs for inner-city kids.[15]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d "About Heath". Heath Bell's Official Website. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
- ^ "Scout.com: Heath Bell Profile". Notredame.scout.com. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
- ^ a b Norcross, Don (June 18, 2011). "For Bell, every day is father's day". San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on July 6, 2011.
- ^ "Heath Bell Named NBC Graduate of the Year – NBC Baseball World Series – National Baseball Congress". Nbcbaseball.com. July 22, 2011. Retrieved November 16, 2011.
- ^ Bryan Hoch (August 17, 2006). "Mets trade for Johnson, Adkins". MLB.com. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
- ^ McCalvy, Adam (July 25, 2007). "Brewers acquire Linebrink from Padres". MLB. Archived from the original on March 23, 2011.
- ^ a b Rosecrans, C. Trent (July 13, 2011). "Bell's slide steals the show". CBSSports.com. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on July 15, 2011.
- ^ Canepa, Nick (June 14, 2009). "Bell can see light behind gloom". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on March 23, 2011.
- ^ Newman, Mark (July 4, 2010). "Postseason feel to All-Star Final Vote". MLB. Archived from the original on March 23, 2011.
- ^ Major League Baseball (May 6, 2009). "Heath Bell named winner of the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Month award for April" (Press release). Archived from the original on March 9, 2011.
- ^ San Diego Padres (January 16, 2010). "Padres agree to terms on a one-year contract with right-handed pitcher Heath Bell" (Press release). Archived from the original on March 9, 2011.
- ^ "Heath Bell Named Winner Of The Major League Baseball Delivery Man Of The Year Award | padres.com: Official Info" (Press release). San Diego Padres. October 13, 2010. Archived from the original on March 6, 2010. Retrieved October 14, 2010.
- ^ "Padres' Black, Bell honored by Sporting News". The San Diego Union-Tribune. October 20, 2010. Archived from the original on March 6, 2011.
- ^ "Rolaids Relief Man Award NL Standings". Archived from the original on March 9, 2011. Retrieved March 9, 2011.
- ^ a b c Center, Bell (March 19, 2011). "Bell believes fans will help decide his future with Padres". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on March 20, 2011.
- ^ "Pirates give up late runs in loss to Padres". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Associated Press. May 3, 2011. Archived from the original on May 23, 2011.
- ^ Center, Bill (May 6, 2011). "Padres blow it but still manage to walk off winners". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on May 23, 2011.
- ^ Norcross, Don (May 14, 2011). "Hawpe caps big rally as Padres top Rockies". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on May 23, 2011.
- ^ Baxter, Kevin; Shaikin, Bill (July 12, 2011). "Heath Bell doesn't let opportunity slide by at All-Star game". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on July 13, 2011.
- ^ Sullivan, Tim (July 12, 2011). "Show goes on without some All-Stars, but Bell provides memorable moment". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on July 13, 2011.
- ^ Jenkins, Chris (July 14, 2011). "Where will Bell's comedy act be playing next?". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on July 15, 2011.
- ^ Center, Bill (July 13, 2011). "Amid questions about future, Padres face long second half". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on July 15, 2011.
- ^ Center, Bill (July 31, 2011). "Padres trade Adams, Ludwick; keep Bell, Harang". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on August 1, 2011.
- ^ "Guzman keys late rally as Padres beat Rockies 8–3". Associated Press. July 31, 2011. Archived from the original on August 1, 2011.
- ^ Center, Bill (August 1, 2011). "Bell says he intends to play for S.D. in 2012; Padres lose". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on August 2, 2011.
- ^ Kahrl, Christina (December 1, 2011). "Nothing Fishy about interest in Heath Bell". ESPN. Archived from the original on December 2, 2011.
- ^ a b Center, Bell (December 1, 2011). "Bell, Marlins agree on 3-year contract". San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on December 2, 2011.
- ^ a b "Heath Bell demoted from closer's role". ESPN.com. Associated Press. May 6, 2012. Archived from the original on May 6, 2012.
- ^ http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7302467/miami-marlins-agree-closer-heath-bell-three-year-deal-sources-say
- ^ Frisaro, Joe (December 5, 2011). "Set to introduce Bell, Marlins make deal official". MLB. Retrieved December 5, 2011.
- ^ a b Norcross, Don (May 23, 2012). "Bell rebounding in Miami". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on May 23, 2012.
- ^ http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/eye-on-baseball/19018422/ozzie-guillen-says-heath-bell-is-our-closer
- ^ Stark, Jason (October 2, 2012). "Time for year-end awards". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on October 5, 2012.
{{cite news}}
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suggested) (help) - ^ "Heath Bell 2012 Pitching Gamelog". baseball-reference.com. Archived from the original on October 5, 2012.
{{cite web}}
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ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Frisaro, Joe (July 10, 2012). "Marlins likely headed to closer by committee". mlblogs.com. Archived from the original on July 15, 2012.
{{cite news}}
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suggested) (help) - ^ "Heath Bell candid in interview". ESPN.com. September 24, 2012. Archived from the original on September 24, 2012.
{{cite news}}
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ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Heath Bell-Ozzie Guillen rift widens as teammates support manager". SportingNews.com. September 26, 2012. Retrieved October 4, 2012.
After being forced to listen to Guillen's radio response Tuesday, Bell admitted that he likely lost the respect of those in the Marlins clubhouse.
- ^ Capozzi, Joe (October 3, 2012). "Has Heath Bell pitched his last game for the Marlins?". The Palm Beach Post. Archived from the original on October 4, 2012.
{{cite news}}
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suggested) (help) - ^ Tomasson, Chris (October 4, 2012). "Few bright spots in sour Marlins season". foxsportsflorida.com. Archived from the original on October 4, 2012.
{{cite news}}
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ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "D-backs acquire reliever Heath Bell". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 21, 2012. Archived from the original on October 24, 2012.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Baum, Bob (March 31, 2013). "2013 SEASON: Injury slows Diamondbacks' personality makeover". The Daily Courier. Archived from the original on April 8, 2013.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Gameday 2007". mlb. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
- ^ Law, Keith (December 2, 2011). "Heath Bell a mistake for Miami". ESPN. Retrieved December 2, 2011.(subscription required)
- ^ "Player Bio Information". MLB.com. Retrieved March 20, 2011.
- ^ Kurkjian, Tim (April 17, 2009). "Fun-loving Bell finally has his dream job". ESPN The Magazine. Archived from the original on March 20, 2011.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors)
- 1977 births
- Living people
- New York Mets players
- San Diego Padres players
- Miami Marlins players
- Arizona Diamondbacks players
- 2009 World Baseball Classic players
- Baseball players from California
- Major League Baseball pitchers
- National League All-Stars
- National League saves champions
- People from Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Sportspeople from San Diego, California
- Kingsport Mets players
- Capital City Bombers players
- St. Lucie Mets players
- Binghamton Mets players
- Norfolk Tides players
- Santa Ana Dons baseball players
- Sportspeople from Orange County, California
- People from Oceanside, California