Bell's determination leads to Hall ballot

"Jay Bell never thought he would play 18 seasons in the big leagues. "I made the Indians out of Spring Training in 1988 and I finished with a career high to that point of .218," Bell said. "I remember thinking at that point that I didn't know if I was going to be a good Major League player, but potentially I could be a good coach." Instead, he finds himself on the ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame for the first time..."

about 3 years ago Jim McLennan 3 comments 0 recs |

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Good for him!

I had a lot of fun watching Jay Bell when he was part of the Diamondbacks. Can’t say that he’s a Hall-of-Famer, but it’s great to see him on the ballot. And to be reminded of a happier time in the history of the D-Backs.

"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson

by Scrbl on Dec 1, 2008 4:32 PM EST reply actions

Hmmm.....

seems like one of those polite nods more than a serious contender — almost like winning an Oscar for Lifetime Achievement.

4/1/1983-11/27/2007 * RIP#21 * The Eternal Redskin

by DbacksSkins on Dec 1, 2008 5:22 PM EST reply actions

Heck, yeah

I don’t think a couple of All-Star games and a career OPS+ of 101 is going to merit much in the way of real consideration – he was never in the top ten of MVP voting, either. His 112 RBI and 38 home-runs in 1999 were impressive – few second-baseman ever have hit more – but given his next-best season was 21 HR, that won’t be his ticket in either.

Frankly, if he gets any votes I’ll be somewhat impressed, but it is, as you say, an acknowledgment of his contribution. And he did score the winning run in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series, so will always have a place in our heart!

by Jim McLennan on Dec 1, 2008 5:59 PM EST up reply actions