Yakima taps Bell as manager

The Yakima Bears, in conjunction with the Arizona Diamondbacks, have announced that former Major Leaguer Mike Bell will manage the Bears for the 2007 season. Mike comes from a family with a rich baseball background, including his brother Ricky, who was a third-round draft pick of the Dodgers in 1997 and played his first professional season in Yakima.

Mike's grandfather Gus and father Buddy both played many years in the Major Leagues. Buddy is currently the manager of the Kansas City Royals. The name many Mariners fans will remember is Mike's brother David, who played three full seasons as Seattle's third baseman.

Mike Bell was originally drafted in the first round by the Texas Rangers with their first pick of the 1993 amateur draft (30th overall). A third baseman by trade, Mike was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 1997 expansion draft. In 1998 he was traded to the Mets and in 1999 he was signed as a free agent by the Cincinnati Reds. Mike made his Major League debut in July 2000 with his hometown team, Cincinnati. He went on to spend time with the Rockies, White Sox, Cardinals, Indians and again the Diamondbacks. Mike's playing career ended in 2005, but after taking a year off to spend time with his wife and two children, he wanted badly to get back into professional baseball.

"I am just extremely excited for this opportunity," said Mike Bell. "I am really looking forward to working with the young players and helping them not only develop into better baseball players, but good, solid professional athletes."

With his playing experience and family history, Mike should adapt quickly to managing the Bears. He will begin his coaching career in extended Spring Training before moving to Yakima in June for the summer.

A.J. Hinch, director of player development for the Arizona Diamondbacks, is excited about their new staff addition. "I am very excited to add Mike Bell to the organization and have him be the manager in Yakima. His passion for the game and eagerness to pass along his knowledge and experience is a perfect combination for our players in Yakima. We are lucky to have him and I look forward to his time in Yakima."

The Yakima Bears begin their season on the road June 19th with the home opener scheduled for June 24th. Season tickets and Mini Plans are on sale now at the Bears office and online at www.yakimabears.com. With a new coaching staff, a $750,000 renovation to the field and a continued effort by the Bears front office, 2007 is shaping up to be one of the best summers ever for Bears Baseball.