The Minnesota Twins announced on Friday that bench coach Mike Bell has died after a battle with kidney cancer. He was 46.
“The Minnesota Twins are devastated by the loss of Mike Bell,” The team said in a statement. “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.”
Bell joined the Twins prior to the 2020 season and was entering his 29th season in professional baseball.
Bell had previous been with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization in several roles including Vice President of Player Development, Director of Player Development, Minor League Field Coordinator and minor league manager at Single-A Visalia and Short-A Yakima.
Bell also had a 13-year career as a player and was the Texas Rangers’ first-round pick in the 1993 First-Year Player Draft. He spent time with seven different organizations and made his debut during the 2000 season for a 19 game stint with the Cincinnati Reds.
No words can adequately express the sadness regarding Mike Bell’s passing. While Mike’s @Twins tenure was relatively brief, his impact was significant. We will miss his vast baseball IQ, his character and friendship. God Bless the Bell family. We pray for you. #RIPMB36 https://t.co/7z5ZkSvKTt
— Dave St. Peter (@TwinsPrez) March 26, 2021
Bell was diagnosed with cancer in February and leaves behind his wife, Kelly and his three children, Luke Mikayla and Madeline.
