Former D-back Mike Bell passes away after battle with kidney cancer

Minnesota Twins bench coach and former Arizona Diamondbacks coach and executive Mike Bell lost his battle with kidney cancer on Friday. Bell was 46.

“Mike was truly beloved by everyone who knew him — from coaches and players to colleagues and staff in Arizona and throughout our minor league system,” the D-backs said in a statement. “His loss leaves a huge hole in our hearts but his impact cannot be overstated and his legacy will not be forgotten.

“Mike brought authenticity and positive energy to every interaction he had, both on and off the field, and he was a true leader in the game of baseball that has embraced his family for three generations. Our deepest condolences are with Kelly, his children, Luke, Mikayla and Madeline, and the entire Bell family.”

Bell was an original expansion draft pick for the D-backs in 1997.

We are devastated by the passing of Mike Bell and join the entire baseball family in mourning.

Mike was an original expansion draft pick of the D-backs in 1997 and spent 13 seasons as a coach or executive with the D-backs, including 9 in charge of Player Development. pic.twitter.com/CASmgYiHHM

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) March 26, 2021

He served as a minor league manager, field coordinator, farm direction and vice president and director of player development over the course of 13 seasons.

In his nine years in player development, Bell saw 47 homegrown D-backs players make their MLB debut. He also watched 36 minor league teams make the playoffs with 11 claiming titles, including three affiliates in his final season with the organization in 2019.

Following his time with Arizona, Bell joined the Minnesota Twins coaching staff in 2019.

The entire Minnesota Twins organization is saddened by the death of current bench coach Mike Bell, who passed away today at the age of 46 from cancer.

At the request of the Bell family, we will play tonight’s game in honor of Mike. pic.twitter.com/3Eq2N08aUO

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) March 26, 2021

“The Minnesota Twins are devastated by the loss of Mike Bell,” the Twins said in a statement. “In his short time with our club, Mike had an indelibly positive impact — not only on the quality of our team on the field, but most importantly upon everyone whom he met. Widely respected in our game, all who knew Mike, on and off the field, are better for the experience.”

This offseason he was diagnosed with kidney cancer after experiencing symptoms in January. Despite the prognosis, Bell continued to help coach the Twins remotely this spring training.

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