George Bell was discovered in the Dominican Republic by Toronto Blue Jays scout Epy Guerrero. His first season as a regular was in 1984, when he teamed with Lloyd Moseby and Jesse Barfield to form a very successful outfield for the Blue Jays. That outfield, along with some solid starting pitching, led the Blue Jays to their first-ever American League East division title in 1985.
His best season came in 1987, as he led the Blue Jays in a stirring race for the division title, ultimately falling two games short of the Detroit Tigers. Bell finished with a .308 BA, .352 OBP, .608 SLG, 111 R, 47 HR and 134 RBI. He was awarded the American League MVP Award that year. On April 4, 1988, Bell became the first player in Major League history to hit three home runs on an opening day. Bell became a free agent after the 1990 season and signed with the Cubs. After one year with the Cubs, he was traded to the White Sox for Sammy Sosa and Ken Patterson. He played two years with the White Sox, after which he announced his retirement. Bell was an All-Star on three separate occasions throughout his career.
George Bell is currently enshrined in the upper deck of the Rogers Centre’s Level of Excellence, devoted to players and personnel who have made a significant impact as members of the Toronto Blue Jays. He shares the honor with Tony Fernández, Joe Carter, Cito Gaston, Pat Gillick, Dave Stieb, Tom Cheek, Roberto Alomar, and Paul Beeston. Bell has four children (Dean, Shadelyn, Michael, and Brainel) with Melida Bell. He is the older brother of former major leaguer Juan Bell.
George Bell was discovered in the Dominican Republic by Toronto Blue Jays scout Epy Guerrero. His first season as a regular was in 1984, when he teamed with Lloyd Moseby and Jesse Barfield to form a very successful outfield for the Blue Jays. That outfield, along with some solid starting pitching, led the Blue Jays to their first-ever American League East division title in 1985.
His best season came in 1987, as he led the Blue Jays in a stirring race for the division title, ultimately falling two games short of the Detroit Tigers. Bell finished with a .308 BA, .352 OBP, .608 SLG, 111 R, 47 HR and 134 RBI. He was awarded the American League MVP Award that year. On April 4, 1988, Bell became the first player in Major League history to hit three home runs on an opening day. Bell became a free agent after the 1990 season and signed with the Cubs. After one year with the Cubs, he was traded to the White Sox for Sammy Sosa and Ken Patterson. He played two years with the White Sox, after which he announced his retirement. Bell was an All-Star on three separate occasions throughout his career.
George Bell is currently enshrined in the upper deck of the Rogers Centre’s Level of Excellence, devoted to players and personnel who have made a significant impact as members of the Toronto Blue Jays. He shares the honor with Tony Fernández, Joe Carter, Cito Gaston, Pat Gillick, Dave Stieb, Tom Cheek, Roberto Alomar, and Paul Beeston. Bell has four children (Dean, Shadelyn, Michael, and Brainel) with Melida Bell. He is the older brother of former major leaguer Juan Bell. 
