Minnesota Twins bench coach Mike Bell dies at 46

Minnesota Twins bench coach Mike Bell, a former Cincinnati Reds infielder and the younger brother of Reds manager David Bell and the son and grandson of former Reds, died on Friday of cancer. He was 46.

“Our Reds family is overwhelmed with sadness for the Bells as they mourn the loss of Mike,” said Reds Chief Executive Officer Bob Castellini in a statement. “This great baseball family blessed thousands of people over the 70 years it has devoted to our game. We are honored that Mike, like his grandfather Gus, his father Buddy, and brother David, wore a Reds uniform. Our hearts and support go out to Buddy, David and their families.”

The Twins announced in February, just before the start of spring training, Bell had taken an indefinite leave because of kidney cancer.

Bell was a Cincinnati native who graduated from Moeller High School. He was the grandson of Gus Bell, a four-time All-Star who played for the Reds from 1953-61. His dad was Buddy Bell, a five-time All-Star who played for the Reds from 1985-88.

Bell also made it to the big leagues in 2000 with the Reds, hitting two home runs and appearing in 19 games in his only big-league season. When he was promoted from Triple-A that season after seven-plus seasons in the minors, the Reds were playing the Colorado Rockies, who were then managed by his dad Buddy.

“It’s a great feeling, like I’m dreaming,” Mike Bell said in 2000. “It is one thing to get called up, but another for my dad and family to get to see my first game in the big leagues. My mom (Gloria) and two sisters already were here in Denver and they’ll get to see me, too.”

Bell joined the Twins staff in 2020 after 13 seasons in the player development department of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Twins released a statement that read: “The Minnesota Twins are devastated by the loss of Mike Bell. In his short time with our club, Mike had an indelibly positive impact — not only on the quality of our team on the field, but most importantly upon everyone whom he met. Widely respected in our game, all who knew Mike, on and off the field, are better for the experience. The Twins join the baseball world in mourning Mike’s untimely passing; our thoughts and best wishes are with his wife, Kelly, his three children, Luke, Mikayla and Madeline, and the entire Bell family during this difficult time.”

The Diamondbacks also released a statement about Bell: “Mike was truly beloved by everyone who knew him – from coaches and players to colleagues and staff in Arizona and throughout our minor league system. His loss leaves a huge hole in our hearts but his impact cannot be overstated and his legacy will not be forgotten. Mike brought authenticity and positive energy to every interaction he had, both on and off the field, and he was a true leader in the game of baseball that has embraced his family for three generations. Our deepest condolences are with Kelly, his children, Luke, Mikayla and Madeline, and the entire Bell family.”