Former Keys clubhouse manager passes away

FREDERICK, Md. -- Former Keys Clubhouse Manager George Bell passed away Saturday morning, July 18 at his home in Frederick. Bell, who manned the clubhouse for 18 seasons from the club's inception through its third championship season in 2007, was 75 years old.

"Words cannot describe the tremendous loss suffered by baseball and the Frederick community with the passing of this legend" said Keys General Manager Dave Ziedelis. "George was a dear friend to everyone involved with Keys baseball and he will be greatly missed."

A laundry list of past and current Orioles, from David Segui and Arthur Rhodes to Brian Roberts and Nick Markakis, all went through Bell's clubhouse in his nearly two decades of service. Bell also hosted Orioles staff members at his home over the years. All in all Bell worked with over 100 players and coaches that would go on to the Major Leagues.

A Boonsboro, Md. native who graduated from Boonsboro High School in 1952, Bell was a sports enthusiast who attended Harry Grove Stadium often even after his retirement from the organization.

In 2007 Bell and his family were honored at Harry Grove Stadium upon his impending retirement. He would be honored as well by the Orioles at Camden Yards that September for his years of work in the Orioles system.

Bell was a retired military veteran who served 24 years in the U.S. Air Force. After retiring from the Air Force he worked for the Department of Defense at Tripler Army Hospital in Hawaii.

A visitation is to be held Wednesday, July 22 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Stauffer Funeral Home at 1621 Opposumtown Pike in Frederick. Funeral services will be Thursday, July 23 at 10:00 a.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, 1393 Progress Way, Suite 908, Eldersburg, Md. 21784.