George Bell

Dominican slugger, Blue Jays left fielder and American League MVP with Toronto.

George Bell, born Jorge Antonio Bell Mathey on October 21, 1959, is a Dominican former left fielder who spent most of his 12 major league seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays. A right-handed power hitter, he formed a strong outfield with Lloyd Moseby and Jesse Barfield that carried the Blue Jays to their first American League East title. His finest season brought 47 home runs, a league-best 134 RBI and the American League MVP award. He later played for the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox, and he is honoured on the Level of Excellence at the Rogers Centre.

Quick Facts

Position: Left fielder
Bats: Right
Born: 21 October 1959
Birthplace: San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic
Debut league: MLB
Debut date: April 9
Debut year: 1981
Debut team: Toronto Blue Jays

Facts from the source article.

Background

The Philadelphia Phillies first signed Bell in 1978 after scout Epy Guerrero found him in the Dominican Republic, and Toronto took him in the 1980 Rule 5 draft. He debuted as a pinch runner against the Detroit Tigers on April 9, 1981, then spent 1982 with the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs. Once he became a regular, he posted 26 homers and 87 RBI in his first full season. He caught the final out of the 5–1 win over the New York Yankees that clinched the division, then starred in an ALCS loss to the Kansas City Royals. His MVP year featured a .308 average and 369 total bases, the most in the majors.

Did You Know?

After fans booed an error, he told reporters they could "kiss my purple butt".
The Cubs traded him to the White Sox for Sammy Sosa and Ken Patterson on March 30, 1992.
He entered the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2013.
His younger brother Juan Bell also played in the majors.