Juan Bell

Juan Bell Mathey (March 29, 1968 – August 24, 2016) was a Dominican baseball player who played in the major leagues, primarily as an infielder, from 1989 to 1995.

MLB career

Early career

Bell was originally signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1984 at the age of 16. After spending four seasons in the Dodgers minor league system, he was traded to the Baltimore Orioles along with relief pitchers Brian Holton and Ken Howell in exchange for Eddie Murray.

Orioles

Bell saw his first major league action the following season, getting called up from the minor leagues in September, 1989. Between that season and 1990, Bell played in 13 games, mostly as a pinch runner. In 1991, Bell got his chance at regular playing time, splitting time at second base with Billy Ripken alongside Billy's brother, Cal Ripken, Jr., the Orioles' regular shortstop. However, Bell hit just .172, and the next spring he lost his roster spot to Mark McLemore and was sent back to the minors.

Phillies

In August 1992, Bell was traded in August to the Philadelphia Phillies for infielder Steve Scarsone, and Bell was back in the majors. In 46 games as the Phils' regular shortstop over the remainder of the season, Bell hit .204, but it was enough to allow him to stick with the big club in spring training. Once again, however, Bell's bat was not up to the task, as he hit just .200 in 65 at bats before being placed on waivers.

Brewers

Bell was claimed by the Milwaukee Brewers, who gave him his most extended shot at a regular job yet. Bell responded with what was his best season, batting .234 with career highs in home runs (5) and RBI (29). The following spring, he was released by the Brewers, who had signed Jody Reed in the offseason to play second base.

Later career

In the next two seasons, Bell would get additional trials from the Montreal Expos and Boston Red Sox. He even set a career high in batting average (.278) in 1994 with the Expos, although it was in just 97 at bats. He spent most of those two seasons in the minor leagues, though, and continued to play in the minors until 1998, finishing up his career with the Syracuse SkyChiefs in the Toronto Blue Jays system. Bell ended his career with a batting average of just .212 in 329 games.

Bell played some ball from 1999 to 2000 with Elmira Pioneers of the Northern League, as well as Cafeteros de Córdoba and Campeche Piratas of the Mexican League.

Bell died of kidney disease in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on August 24, 2016.

Family

Juan was the younger brother of former major league slugger George Bell. Their brother, Rolando Bell, played two seasons in the Dodgers' system as well. He had a son named Joanthony Bell.

Sources

• Career statistics and player information from Baseball-Reference, or Baseball-Reference (Minors)