Juan Bell

Infobox MLB retired
name=Juan Bell
position=Infielder


bats=Right
throws=Right
birthdate=birth date and age|1968|3|29
city-state|San Pedro de Macorís|Dominican Republic
debutdate=September 6
debutyear=by|1989
debutteam=Baltimore Orioles
finaldate=August 25
finalyear=by|1995
finalteam=Boston Red Sox
stat1label=Batting average
stat1value=.212
stat2label=Home runs
stat2value=10
stat3label=Runs batted in
stat3value=71
teams=
*Baltimore Orioles (1989-91)
*Philadelphia Phillies (1992-93)
*Milwaukee Brewers (1993)
*Montreal Expos (1994)
*Boston Red Sox (1995)

Juan Bell Mathey (born March 29, 1968 in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic), is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues primarily as an infielder from 1989-1995.

Early career

Bell was originally signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in by|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 future Hall of Famer Eddie Murray.

With the Orioles

Bell would see his first major league action the following season, getting called up from the minors in September, by|1989. Between that season and by|1990, Bell would play in just 13 games, mostly as a pinch runner. In by|1991, Bell got his chance at regular playing time, splitting time at second base with Billy Ripken alongside Billy's brother, future Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr., the Orioles' regular shortstop. However, Bell hit just .172, and the next spring he was beaten out by Mark McLemore and sent back to the minors.

With the Phillies

In August by|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.

With the 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.

Career winding down

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 by|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 by|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.

Family

Bell is the younger brother of former Major League slugger George Bell. Their brother, Rolando Bell, played two seasons in the Dodgers' system as well.

ources