Texas Rangers Forgotten Greats: Remembering Buddy Bell
By David Hill
Former Cleveland Indians and Texas Rangers All Star Buddy Bell turns 66 years old today. Let us take a look back at his career.
It is fair to say that baseball was in Buddy Bell’s blood from the beginning. The son of former Cincinnati Reds All Star Gus Bell, Buddy was a 16th round draft pick by the Cleveland Indians in 1969. Just three years later, bell had rocketed through the minors, and made his debut with the Tribe in 1972.
Bell became a solid player with the Indians, making his first All Star team in his second season. He flashed a bit of speed and some power, although he was more of a doubles hitter than someone who hit home runs. However, when he was traded to the Texas Rangers for Toby Harrah following the 1978 season, Bell truly found himself.
Playing in Texas, Bell became a star. He set personal highs with 200 hits and 101 RBI in his first season with the Rangers, yet somehow did not make the All Star team. Bell did, however, finish tenth in the MVP vote that season, the best showing of his career. He also won his first Gold Glove award at third, as he began to solidify his reputation as a stellar defensive player.
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That began a run where Bell won six consecutive Gold Glove awards, all with the Rangers. He made four more All Star teams, proving to be a solid piece for the Rangers offense. Bell was traded to the Reds, his father’s team, in 1985, and spent three years there before being sent to the Astros in another trade. He then returned to the Rangers for one last season, ending his career in the place he became a star.
Overall, Bell produced a solid .279/.341/.406 batting line, hitting 201 home runs and 425 doubles. A consistent hitter, he had 2514 hits, ranking 99th all time despite having just one season with 200 base knocks.
For his respectable offense, Bell truly shined defensively. He led American League third basemen in putouts and assists three times, and double plays twice. He ranks fifth all time with 4925 assists, sixth with 430 double plays, and second with 167 runs saved, trailing only the legendary Brooks Robinson in that metric.
Bell also contributed to his family’s legacy in the game. The son of a major leaguer, Bell also had two sons spend time in the majors. Mike Bell spent 14 years in the minors, but had a 14 game stint with the Reds in 2000, as three generations of Bells played for the franchise. David Bell had a 12 year career as a solid utility man, spending most of his time with the Mariners, Cardinals, and Phillies.
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Buddy Bell was a solid player with the Texas Rangers, and an excellent defensive presence at third. On his 66th birthday, it is time to look back at his underrated career.