Gus Bell
From BR Bullpen
David Russell Bell Jr.
- Bats Left, Throws Right
- Height 6' 2", Weight 196 lb.
- Debut May 30, 1950
- Final Game May 1, 1964
- Born November 15, 1928 in Louisville, KY USA
- Died May 7, 1995 in Montgomery, OH USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Gus Bell had a 15-year career in the majors, mostly with the Cincinnati Reds. He hit 206 home runs and had a .281 batting average.
Bell was always one of the better hitters on the team, but never the most prominent. In his early days with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the big slugger was Ralph Kiner, while with the Cincinnati Reds it was Ted Kluszewski at first and then Frank Robinson. When Bell had his best year in 1953, hitting .300 with 30 home runs, he was second in both categories behind Kluszewski, although Bell led the team in doubles.
He was recognized as a top player, though, by the league, making the All-Star team four times between 1953 and 1957.
He was also on the original New York Mets team in 1962, after having appeared briefly with the Reds in the 1961 World Series.
He is the father of Buddy Bell and grandfather of David Bell and Mike Bell.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 4-time NL All-Star (1953, 1954, 1956 & 1957)
- NL Triples Leader (1951)
- 20-Home Run Seasons: 3 (1953, 1955 & 1956)
- 30-Home Run Seasons: 1 (1953)
- 100 RBI Seasons: 4 (1953-1955 & 1959)
- 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 2 (1953 & 1954)
