San Francisco, Calif. — The San Francisco Giants have named former infielder David Bell their new Vice President of Player Development, club Senior Vice President and General Manager Bobby Evans announced today.
Bell, who will oversee the player development area under the direction of Evans, just completed his fourth year on the St. Louis Cardinals coaching staff and his third as the team’s bench coach after serving as assistant hitting coach in 2014. Bell was previously the third base coach for the Chicago Cubs in 2013 after having spent the previous four seasons as a manager and coach in the Cincinnati Reds organization. After a 12-year Major League career, he began his coaching career in 2009 as the Manager for the Reds’ Double-A Carolina team, serving in that position through 2011. He managed the Triple-A Louisville club for the Reds in 2012. Following the 2009 campaign, Bell also managed the Peoria Saguaros of the Arizona Fall League.
“David brings a wealth of experience to this position as a successful major league player, minor league manager, third base coach, hitting coach and most recently as bench coach for the Cardinals the past three seasons”, said Evans. “His presence, leadership and vision will help shape our ongoing strategy and continued commitment to player development. His passion for the game is evident and we are excited to welcome him back into the Giants family.”
Bell, 45, is a member of one of Major League Baseball’s three generation families: the son of Buddy Bell and the grandson of Gus Bell. David’s career began with Cleveland and continued with St. Louis, Seattle, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Milwaukee. He played in 35 postseason games, reaching the ALCS with Seattle in both 2000 and 2001 before reaching the World Series with the N.L. Champion San Francisco Giants in 2002.
The former infielder set career highs with 21 home runs and 78 RBI in 1999 with Seattle and batted a career-best .291 with Philadelphia in 2004. He made his Major League debut in 1995 with Cleveland. On January 25, 2002 he was acquired by the Giants from Seattle in exchange for infielder Desi Relaford and cash considerations. Bell played just one season with the Giants in 2002, hitting .261 with 20 home runs and 73 RBI to help San Francisco reach the Fall Classic. ). He also received the Willie McCovey Award as the Giants’ most inspirational player.
A graduate of Moeller High School in Cincinnati, Bell helped the club to the 1989 state baseball championship. He was drafted by Cleveland in the seventh round of the 1990 draft. He resides in Santa Rosa, California with his wife and two children.