Buddy Bell
For several years, when rival GM's talked to the Cleveland Indians about a trade, the first name they'd bring up would be Buddy Bell. Eventually he was dealt to the Texas Rangers, where he was a tremendous fan favorite, and ultimately to Cincinnati, where his father had been a star outfielder in the 1950s. Bell was a fine defensive third baseman and a solid hitter, topping the .290 mark six times, with a high of .329 in 1980. His play at the hot corner won him six Gold Gloves, and he led his league in fielding categories several times. But Bell is most remembered for what he failed to do as both a player and manager. He played and managed in more than 3,200 games in his career, yet never reached the post-season. His teams finished higher than fourth just six times in his 18-year playing career, and he finished no better than third and had just a .428 record as a skipper with two teams in parts of six seasons. Bell's sons David and Mike both reached the major leagues, making the Bell's a three-generation ball playing family. Buddy's father Gus was a four-time All-Star, who hit more than 200 homers and teamed with Buddy for more than 4,300 career hits.
Played For
Cleveland Indians (1972-1978)
Texas Rangers (1979-1985)
Cincinnati Reds (1985-1988)
Houston Astros (1988)
Texas Rangers (1989)
Managed
Detroit Tigers (1996-1998)
Colorado Rockies (2000-2002)
All-Time Rankings
Buddy Bell ranks #22 among the Top 50 all-time at 3B. Rankings ⇒
Best Season: 1979
In his first season as a Ranger, Bell collected 200 hits, played every game, won the Gold Glove Award, had 42 doubles, 18 homers and 101 RBI. It was just the second time that Bell was on a team with a winning record.
Factoids
Buddy Bell hit 201 home runs - five fewer than his father Gus hit in his career.
Where He Played
Third base
As a Manager
While he was active, Bell was a coveted player by several teams. The Detroit Tigers tried to pry Bell from the Rangers several times between 1980 and 1984, to no avail. Sparky had Bell near the top of his wish-list. In 1996, after Sparky retired, it was Bell who replaced Sparky as Detroit's manager.
Born
David Gus Bell was born on August 27, 1951, in Pittsburgh, PA.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: 3B
Primary Team: TEX
College: Miami (FL)
Major League Debut
April 15, 1972
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1972
Dwight Evans
Buddy Bell
Mike Schmidt
Bob Boone
Gary Matthews
Davey Lopes
Goose Gossage
Rick Reuschel
Garry Maddox
Family Tree
Father Gus was an All-Star outfielder for Cincinnati in the 1950s; sons David and Mike reached the major leagues as infielders.
Similar Players
None
Related Players
Toby Harrah, Gus Bell, David Bell, Mike Bell
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 1995 |
BBWAA |
8 |
1.7% |
|
Awards and Honors
1979 AL Gold Glove
1980 AL Gold Glove
1981 AL Gold Glove
1982 AL Gold Glove
1983 AL Gold Glove
1984 AL Gold Glove
Hitting Streaks
21 games (1980)
All-Star Selections
1973 AL
1980 AL
1981 AL
1982 AL
1984 AL
Replaced
When he first came up to the big leagues, Bell was converted to the outfield, because the Indians had Graig Nettles at third base. After a season in center and right field, Bell was back at the hot corner in 1973, after Nettles was traded to the Yankees.
Replaced By
Chris Sabo
Best Strength as a Player
Bell was a phenomenal defensive third baseman. He wasn;t flashy and didn't make great diving plays all the time like Graig Nettles, but he had excellent range and great hands.
Largest Weakness as a Player
He was a slow baserunner and was thrown out nearly 60% of the time he tried to steal a base.
Learn More about Buddy Bell
Search Amazon.com for Books about Buddy Bell ⇒
Search for Buddy Bell at Google ⇒
View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒
