Topic: Jay Bell

Jay Stuart Bell (born December 11, 1965 in Eglin AFB, Florida) is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and second baseman who played for the Cleveland Indians (1986-88), Pittsburgh Pirates (1989-96), Kansas City Royals (1997), Arizona Diamondbacks (1998-2002) and New York Mets (2003).

Bell maintained his reputation as one of the best shortstops in the 1990s. His range was only average but he had a great knowledge of the hitters and positioned himself well. Originally a first-round pick of the Minnesota Twins in 1984, Bell made 129 errors over his first three minor-league seasons. The following year he was traded to the Indians in a deal that brought starter Bert Blyleven to Minnesota, and when he finally reached the majors in 1986 he faced Blyleven in his first major-league at-bat. Bell promptly ripped the first pitch he saw from Blyleven for a home run.

Bell won a Gold Glove Award award in 1993, breaking a string of thirteen straight National League Gold Gloves at shortstop by Ozzie Smith.