MLB Hall of Fame: Breaking down the 2020 ballot
By David Hill
Heath Bell – first year on ballot
For a time, Heath Bell was one of the best closers in the game. And then, he fell off a cliff.
A respectable setup man, Bell took over as the Padres closer when future Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman moved over to the Brewers. In his three seasons as San Diego’s closer, the team did not miss a beat, as Bell proved to be a worthy replacement. However, when he was traded to the Marlins at the conclusion of the 2012 campaign, his career fell apart.
A three time All Star, Bell saved over 40 games in each of his three seasons as the Padres closer, leading the league with 42 saves in 2009. During his career, he posted a 3.49 ERA and a 1.269 WHiP, notching 168 saves. In his 628.2 innings, Bell struck out 637 batters while issuing 214 walks.
Every year, there are players who make their one appearance on the MLB Hall of Fame ballot and fail to receive a vote. Some of those players seem to be questionable choices to even be included for consideration. Bell is one of those players – a pitcher who was briefly a star caliber closer, but one whose career could really be summed up in those three seasons.
Heath Bell had a solid run, but it will not be enough for the former Padres closer to join Hoffman in the MLB Hall of Fame.