Heath Bell

Bell was born in Oceanside, California to Jimmie, an automotive mechanic, and Edwina Bell.{{Cite web |last=admin |title=Heath Bell – Society for American Baseball Research |url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/heath-bell/#:~:text=Born%20on%20September%2029,%201977,football,%20basketball,%20and%20baseball. |access-date=2025-04-08 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2011-06-18 |title=For Bell, every day is father's day |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2011/06/18/for-bell-every-day-is-fathers-day/ |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US}} He attended Columbus Tustin Middle School and Tustin High School in Tustin, California, which is about {{convert|50|mi}} from Oceanside. He lettered in football, basketball, and baseball.{{cite web|title=About Heath|publisher=Heath Bell's Official Website|url=http://www.heathbell21.com/?page_id=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328125620/http://www.heathbell21.com/?page_id=2|archive-date=March 28, 2012|url-status=dead}}

Bell attended Santa Ana College where he was named a freshman All-American in 1997.{{cite web|url=http://notredame.scout.com/a.z?s=109&p=8&c=1&nid=1853158|title=Scout.com: Heath Bell Profile|work=Notredame.scout.com|access-date=March 10, 2011}}{{cite news|last=Norcross|first=Don|title=For Bell, every day is father's day|date=June 18, 2011|newspaper=San Diego Union-Tribune|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/jun/18/heath-bell-its-father-son/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622070304/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/jun/18/heath-bell-its-father-son/|archive-date=June 22, 2011|url-status=dead}} In 1997, Bell made two appearances in the National Baseball Congress World Series while playing for the summer league El Dorado Broncos. He did not give up any runs. In 2011, he was named the league's Graduate of the Year.{{cite web |url=http://www.nbcbaseball.com/news/article282.html |title=Heath Bell Named NBC Graduate of the Year – NBC Baseball World Series – National Baseball Congress |work=Nbcbaseball.com |date=July 22, 2011 |access-date=November 16, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415040102/http://www.nbcbaseball.com/news/article282.html |archive-date=April 15, 2012 }} He was selected by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 69th round of the 1997 amateur draft but did not sign with the team.

Bell did not begin his professional career until 1998, when he signed with the New York Mets as an undrafted free agent. He made his major league debut on August 24, 2004, pitching two scoreless innings with three strikeouts against the San Diego Padres. The righty spent the next two seasons shuttling between the Mets and their Triple-A affiliate Norfolk. Bell said coaches in the Mets' minor leagues told him his best opportunity to succeed was to leave the organization as other people did not believe in him.

File:Heath Bell congratulated after save.jpg

On November 15, 2006, Bell was traded to San Diego, along with pitcher Royce Ring, for outfielder Ben Johnson and relief pitcher Jon Adkins.{{cite web|author=Bryan Hoch|url=http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061115&content_id=1741019&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym|title=Mets trade for Johnson, Adkins|work=MLB.com|date=August 17, 2006|access-date=March 10, 2011|archive-date=June 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615153529/http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061115&content_id=1741019&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym|url-status=dead}} He was part of the Padres bullpen, where he replaced Scott Linebrink as the 8th inning setup man before Trevor Hoffman closed games.{{cite news|last=McCalvy|first=Adam|title=Brewers acquire Linebrink from Padres|date=July 25, 2007|publisher=MLB|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070725&content_id=2108805&vkey=news_mil&fext=.jsp&c_id=mil|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106052227/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070725&content_id=2108805&vkey=news_mil&fext=.jsp&c_id=mil|archive-date=November 6, 2012|url-status=dead}} In 2009, Hoffman signed with the Milwaukee Brewers and Bell was promoted to closer. Bell sprints from the bullpen{{cite news|last=Rosecrans|first=C. Trent|title=Bell's slide steals the show|date=July 13, 2011|work=CBSSports.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22297882/30602429|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016144939/http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22297882/30602429|archive-date=October 16, 2012|url-status=dead}} and into a save situation accompanied by the song "Blow Me Away" by Breaking Benjamin.{{cite news|last=Canepa|first=Nick|title=Bell can see light behind gloom|date=June 14, 2009|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/jun/14/padres-canepa-bell-211957/?padres|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120910080135/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/jun/14/padres-canepa-bell-211957/?padres|archive-date=September 10, 2012|url-status=dead}} Bell's save situations are referred to by fans as "Bell's Hell", a play on Hoffman's famous "Hells Bells".{{cite news|last=Newman|first=Mark|title=Postseason feel to All-Star Final Vote|date=July 4, 2010|work=MLB.com|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100704&content_id=11909908&vkey=allstar2010&fext=.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110309165611/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100704&content_id=11909908&vkey=allstar2010&fext=.jsp|archive-date=March 9, 2011|url-status=dead}}

In 2009, Bell received the Delivery Man of the Month Award in April after converting all eight of his save opportunities in {{frac|8|2|3}} scoreless innings of work while striking out nine batters.{{cite press release|author=Major League Baseball|author-link=Major League Baseball|title=Heath Bell named winner of the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Month award for April|date=May 6, 2009|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20090506&content_id=4587630&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629205147/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20090506&content_id=4587630&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|archive-date=June 29, 2011|url-status=dead}} He was named to the National League (NL) All-Star Team on July 5. He, along with teammate Adrián González, represented the Padres at the 2009 MLB All-Star Game in St. Louis on July 14. Bell came on in the 8th inning and gave up a triple to Curtis Granderson followed by a sacrifice fly to Adam Jones to make the score 4–3 in the American League's favor; Bell was the losing pitcher in the game. Bell ended the 2009 season leading the National League in saves with 42 in his first year as a full-time closer. He won the NL Rolaids Relief Man Award{{cite press release|author=San Diego Padres|author-link=San Diego Padres|title=Padres agree to terms on a one-year contract with right-handed pitcher Heath Bell|date=January 16, 2010|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20100116&content_id=7927696&vkey=pr_sd&fext=.jsp&c_id=sd|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629205044/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20100116&content_id=7927696&vkey=pr_sd&fext=.jsp&c_id=sd|archive-date=June 29, 2011|url-status=dead}}

In 2010, Bell was named to his second consecutive NL All-Star team in July. Starting May 29, he converted 34 consecutive saves to end the season, the longest streak by a Padres since Hoffman. Bell collected saves on a season-high four consecutive days from August 10–13. For the year, Bell had a career-high 47 saves, which ranked second in MLB and was second in team history behind Hoffman's 53 in 1998. Bell's .940 save percentage (47 of 50) led all of MLB. He did not allow any of his nine inherited runners to score, and he had six saves of more than one inning pitched. Bell won the Delivery Man of the Year Award, The Sporting News NL Reliever of the Year Award, and the NL Rolaids Relief Man Award.{{cite press release|url=http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20101013&content_id=15615452&fext=.jsp&c_id=sd&vkey=pr_sd|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325034201/http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20101013&content_id=15615452&fext=.jsp&c_id=sd&vkey=pr_sd|archive-date=March 25, 2012|title=Heath Bell Named Winner Of The Major League Baseball Delivery Man Of The Year Award|publisher=San Diego Padres|date=October 13, 2010|access-date=October 14, 2010|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Padres' Black, Bell honored by Sporting News|date=October 20, 2010|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|url=http://www.union-tribune.com/news/2010/oct/20/black-bell-honored-sporting-news/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717162825/http://www.union-tribune.com/news/2010/oct/20/black-bell-honored-sporting-news/|archive-date=July 17, 2011|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Rolaids Relief Man Award NL Standings|url=http://www.rolaidsreliefman.com/nlstandings.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715200325/http://www.rolaidsreliefman.com/nlstandings.aspx|archive-date=July 15, 2011|access-date=March 9, 2011|url-status=dead}}

File:US Navy 110609-N-KA543-060 Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Peter Gould a Silver Star medal recipient, throws out the ceremonial first pitch as part of.jpg in 2011]]

Bell was the highest paid Padres player in 2011 at $7.5 million salary and would be eligible for free agency at the end of the season.{{cite news|last=Center|first=Bell|title=Bell believes fans will help decide his future with Padres|date=March 19, 2011|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/mar/19/padres-bells-agents-discuss-closers-future-padres/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110322043803/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/mar/19/padres-bells-agents-discuss-closers-future-padres/|archive-date=March 22, 2011|url-status=dead}} He converted his first seven save opportunities of 2011, which tied him with Hoffman for the Padres club record of 41 consecutive successful save conversions. The streak also tied him with Hoffman and Rod Beck for the then-fourth longest in MLB history.{{cite news|title=Pirates give up late runs in loss to Padres|date=May 3, 2011|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/may/03/pirates-give-up-late-runs-in-loss-to-padres/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511083851/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/may/03/pirates-give-up-late-runs-in-loss-to-padres/|archive-date=May 11, 2011|url-status=dead}} Bell blew his next save opportunity, a 3–0 lead, after he opened the ninth inning walking the first two batters, and third baseman Chase Headley made a two-out, two-run throwing error to tie the game.{{cite news|last=Center|first=Bill|title=Padres blow it but still manage to walk off winners|date=May 6, 2011|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/may/06/padres-blow-it-still-manage-walk-winners/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508063435/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/may/06/padres-blow-it-still-manage-walk-winners/|archive-date=May 8, 2011|url-status=dead}} On May 14, Bell recorded his 100th career save in a 9–7 win over the Colorado Rockies.{{cite news|last=Norcross|first=Don|title=Hawpe caps big rally as Padres top Rockies|date=May 14, 2011|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/may/14/hawpe-caps-big-rally-padres-top-rockies/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110516054933/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/may/14/hawpe-caps-big-rally-padres-top-rockies/|archive-date=May 16, 2011|url-status=dead}} Bell was selected to his third consecutive All-Star game. Entering the game in the eight inning, Bell sprinted from the bullpen and did a slide in front of the pitcher's mound, taking out a chunk of the infield grass and leaving grass stains on his pants. "I wanted the fans to have fun with this", said Bell.{{cite news|last1=Baxter|first1=Kevin|last2=Shaikin|first2=Bill|title=Heath Bell doesn't let opportunity slide by at All-Star game|date=July 12, 2011|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-0713-all-star-notes-20110713,0,7811349.story|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714183223/http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-0713-all-star-notes-20110713,0,7811349.story|archive-date=July 14, 2011|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last=Sullivan|first=Tim|title=Show goes on without some All-Stars, but Bell provides memorable moment|date=July 12, 2011|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/jul/12/show-goes-without-many-its-all-stars-luster-drama/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715215521/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/jul/12/show-goes-without-many-its-all-stars-luster-drama/|archive-date=July 15, 2011|url-status=dead}} With the team 12 games under .500 coming out of the All-Star break, general manager Jed Hoyer said the Padres would pursue a long-term contract with Bell if they did not get a desirable trade offer for him.{{cite news|last=Jenkins|first=Chris|title=Where will Bell's comedy act be playing next?|date=July 14, 2011|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/jul/14/where-will-bells-comedy-act-be-playing-next/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718090334/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/jul/14/where-will-bells-comedy-act-be-playing-next/|archive-date=July 18, 2011|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last=Center|first=Bill|title=Amid questions about future, Padres face long second half|date=July 13, 2011|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/jul/13/padres-face-questions-long-second-half/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717092253/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/jul/13/padres-face-questions-long-second-half/|archive-date=July 17, 2011|url-status=dead}} Ultimately Bell was not traded at the non-waiver trade deadline on July 31, but Hoyer admitted Bell's greatest value to the team might come as a free agent if Bell refuses salary arbitration and signs elsewhere—the Padres would receive two first-round draft picks in June 2012 as compensation.{{cite news|last=Center|first=Bill|title=Padres trade Adams, Ludwick; keep Bell, Harang|date=July 31, 2011|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/jul/31/adams-traded-rangers-pitching-prospects-wieland-er/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111230050824/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/jul/31/adams-traded-rangers-pitching-prospects-wieland-er/|archive-date=December 30, 2011|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Guzman keys late rally as Padres beat Rockies 8–3|date=July 31, 2011|agency=Associated Press|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=310731125|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111109104933/http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=310731125|archive-date=November 9, 2011|url-status=dead}} Bell said he planned to accept arbitration from the Padres if they did not agree on a multi-year deal.{{cite news|last=Center|first=Bill|title=Bell says he intends to play for S.D. in 2012; Padres lose|date=August 1, 2011|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/aug/01/bell-says-he-intends-play-padres-2012/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017235946/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/aug/01/bell-says-he-intends-play-padres-2012/|archive-date=October 17, 2011|url-status=dead}} He finished the season 43 of 48 in save opportunities with a 2.44 ERA, but he struck out less than 30 percent of all opponents’ at-bats for the first time as a Padre.{{cite news|last=Kahrl|author-link=Christina Kahrl|first=Christina|date=December 1, 2011|title=Nothing Fishy about interest in Heath Bell|publisher=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/18866/nothing-fishy-about-interest-in-heath-bell|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111204072338/http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/18866/nothing-fishy-about-interest-in-heath-bell|archive-date=December 4, 2011|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Center|first=Bell|title=Bell, Marlins agree on 3-year contract|date=December 1, 2011|newspaper=San Diego Union-Tribune|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/dec/01/bell-believes-his-future-will-be-decided-next-10-d/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111203195104/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/dec/01/bell-believes-his-future-will-be-decided-next-10-d/|archive-date=December 3, 2011|url-status=dead}}

Bell wanted a three-year contract from the Padres, who instead offered two years with an option for 2014. Talks stalled after Hoyer left the Padres and was replaced by Josh Byrnes as general manager. The Padres offered arbitration, but Bell backed away from his earlier intention to accept arbitration. The Miami Marlins, the Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim were also interested in signing him. Bell had a 27–19 record with a 2.53 earned run average and 134 saves in 354 appearances with the Padres over five seasons. His 132 saves in the last three seasons led the majors.{{cite news|title=Heath Bell demoted from closer's role|date=May 6, 2012|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7895046/florida-marlins-demote-slumping-heath-bell-closer-role|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506014539/http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7895046/florida-marlins-demote-slumping-heath-bell-closer-role|archive-date=May 6, 2012|url-status=live}}

File:Heath Bell Miami Marlins 02.jpg]]

On December 5, 2011, Bell signed a three-year, $27 million contract with the Miami Marlins.{{cite web|last=Stark|first=Jayson|title=Sources: Heath Bell, Marlins agree|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7302467/miami-marlins-agree-closer-heath-bell-three-year-deal-sources-say|work=ESPN.com|access-date=May 5, 2014|author-link=Jayson Stark|date=December 2, 2011}}{{cite news|last=Frisaro|first=Joe|title=Set to introduce Bell, Marlins make deal official|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111205&content_id=26093502&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|access-date=December 5, 2011|publisher=MLB|date=December 5, 2011}} He was temporarily demoted from the closer role in May after beginning the 2012 season blowing four of his first seven save opportunities with an 0–3 record and an 11.42 ERA in 11 games.{{cite news|last=Norcross|first=Don|title=Bell rebounding in Miami|date=May 23, 2012|newspaper=U-T San Diego|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/may/23/bell-rebounding-miami/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130205170302/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/may/23/bell-rebounding-miami/|archive-date=February 5, 2013|url-status=dead}} Bell said he had been battling an undisclosed personal issue, and he felt "completely lost" in Miami being apart from his family.

On May 11, 2012, Marlins manager Ozzie Guillén placed Bell back to the closer role,{{cite web|last=Rosecrans|first=C. Trent|date=May 11, 2012|title=Ozzie Guillen says Heath Bell is 'our closer'|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/ozzie-guillen-says-heath-bell-is-our-closer/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014010152/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/ozzie-guillen-says-heath-bell-is-our-closer/|archive-date=October 14, 2018|access-date=May 5, 2014|work=CBS Sports}} and his ERA dropped below 10.00 later that month.{{cite news|last=Stark|first=Jason|title=Time for year-end awards|date=October 2, 2012|work=ESPN.com|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/8450155/mike-trout-buster-posey-rest-2012-award-winners-mlb|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005012652/http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/8450155/mike-trout-buster-posey-rest-2012-award-winners-mlb|archive-date=October 5, 2012|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Heath Bell 2012 Pitching Gamelog|work=baseball-reference.com|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=bellhe01&t=p&year=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621111605/http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=bellhe01&t=p&year=|archive-date=June 21, 2012|url-status=live}} He was again demoted after the All-Star break, when he was 2–5 with a 6.75 ERA and six blown saves in 25 opportunities,{{cite news|last=Frisaro|first=Joe|title=Marlins likely headed to closer by committee|date=July 10, 2012|work=mlblogs.com|url=http://joefrisaro.mlblogs.com/2012/07/10/marlins-likely-headed-to-closer-by-committee/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712121043/http://joefrisaro.mlblogs.com/2012/07/10/marlins-likely-headed-to-closer-by-committee/|archive-date=July 12, 2012|url-status=live}} and Steve Cishek assumed the closer role.{{cite news|title=Heath Bell candid in interview|date=September 24, 2012|work=ESPN.com|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/8420672/miami-marlins-heath-bell-says-hard-respect-manager-ozzie-guillen|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120924204624/http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/8420672/miami-marlins-heath-bell-says-hard-respect-manager-ozzie-guillen|archive-date=September 24, 2012|url-status=live}} Late in the season, a rift between Bell and Guillen developed with each proclaiming waning respect for one another. Bell acknowledged his teammates likely lost respect for him after the incident.{{cite news|title=Heath Bell-Ozzie Guillen rift widens as teammates support manager|date=September 26, 2012|work=SportingNews.com|url=http://aol.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2012-09-26/heath-bell-ozzie-guillen-fight-rift-radio-fire-trade-miami-marlins|access-date=October 4, 2012|quote=After being forced to listen to Guillen's radio response Tuesday, Bell admitted that he likely lost the respect of those in the Marlins clubhouse.|archive-date=October 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001013442/http://aol.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2012-09-26/heath-bell-ozzie-guillen-fight-rift-radio-fire-trade-miami-marlins|url-status=dead}} Bell had an 0.69 ERA over his last 13 appearances before blowing a 3–0 lead in the eighth inning in his last game of the year. He ended the season 4–5 with a 5.09 ERA and 19-for-27 in save chances.{{cite news|last=Capozzi|first=Joe|title=Has Heath Bell pitched his last game for the Marlins?|date=October 3, 2012|newspaper=The Palm Beach Post|url=http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/marlins/2012/10/03/has-heath-bell-pitched-his-last-game-for-the-marlins/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006233707/http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/marlins/2012/10/03/has-heath-bell-pitched-his-last-game-for-the-marlins/|archive-date=October 6, 2012|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Tomasson|first=Chris|title=Few bright spots in sour Marlins season|date=October 4, 2012|work=foxsportsflorida.com|url=http://www.foxsportsflorida.com/10/04/12/Marlins-end-with-a-disappointing-season/landing_marlins.html?blockID=800059&feedID=3720|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123194538/http://www.foxsportsflorida.com/10/04/12/Marlins-end-with-a-disappointing-season/landing_marlins.html?blockID=800059&feedID=3720|archive-date=January 23, 2013|url-status=live}}

On October 20, 2012, the Marlins traded Bell to the Arizona Diamondbacks in a three-team trade in which the Marlins acquired minor leaguer Yordy Cabrera. Arizona already had incumbent closer J. J. Putz. The Marlins agreed to pay $8 million of the remaining $21 million still owed Bell over the subsequent two years.{{cite news|title=D-backs acquire reliever Heath Bell|date=October 21, 2012|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/8528926/arizona-diamondbacks-acquire-heath-bell-trade-chris-young-pair-deals|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021075001/http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/8528926/arizona-diamondbacks-acquire-heath-bell-trade-chris-young-pair-deals|archive-date=October 21, 2012|url-status=live}} He began the season as a middle reliever behind Putz and setup man David Hernandez.{{cite news|last=Baum|first=Bob|title=2013 SEASON: Injury slows Diamondbacks' personality makeover|date=March 31, 2013|newspaper=The Daily Courier|url=http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2&ArticleID=117651|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518225202/http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2&ArticleID=117651|archive-date=May 18, 2014|url-status=live}} On May 8, Bell was promoted to closer after Putz was placed on the disabled list with a strained right elbow.{{cite news|last=Harris|first=Beth|title=D-backs beat Dodgers 3-2 on homers by Goldschmidt|date=May 8, 2013|newspaper=U-T San Diego|agency=Associated Press|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/may/08/d-backs-beat-dodgers-3-2-on-homers-by-goldschmidt/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518225318/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/may/08/d-backs-beat-dodgers-3-2-on-homers-by-goldschmidt/|archive-date=May 18, 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Piecoro|first=Nick|title=Arizona Diamondbacks' Heath Bell assumes familiar role|date=May 8, 2013|work=azcentral.com|url=http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/20130508arizona-diamondbacks-heath-bell-assumes-familiar-role.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240526154908/https://www.webcitation.org/6GvET8p1I?url=http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/20130508arizona-diamondbacks-heath-bell-assumes-familiar-role.html%3Fnclick_check=1|archive-date=May 26, 2024|url-status=live}}

On December 3, 2013, Bell was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-team deal also involving the Cincinnati Reds.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RaysBaseball/status/407970067951804416|title=Tampa Bay Rays on Twitter|website=twitter.com}} He was designated for assignment on May 4, 2014, before being released on May 11. Bell had a 7.27 ERA in 13 appearances with the Rays.{{cite web|title=Rays cut reliever Heath Bell, recall Nathan Karns|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=10881453|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com|access-date=May 4, 2014|date=May 4, 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/05/rays-release-heath-bell.html|title=Rays Release Heath Bell|website=MLB Trade Rumors|date=May 11, 2014 }}

On May 16, 2014, Bell agreed to a minor league deal with the Baltimore Orioles.{{cite web|title=Orioles sign reliever Heath Bell|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/10944548/baltimore-orioles-sign-reliever-heath-bell-minor-league-deal|work=ESPN.com|access-date=May 17, 2014|date=May 17, 2014}} He appeared in just 10 games for the Triple-A Norfolk Tides before he opted out of his deal on June 8. A few days later, on June 13, he signed a minor league deal with the New York Yankees.{{cite news|title=Yankees sign Heath Bell to minor league deal|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=11079537|access-date=June 15, 2014|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com|date=June 13, 2014}} On June 24, the Yankees released Bell just 11 days after signing him. He had a 7.50 ERA in six innings (over five games) for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/06/tigers-acquire-daniel-schlereth.html|title=Minor Moves: Whiteside, Texeira, Slowey, Bell, Schlereth|website=MLB Trade Rumors|date=June 24, 2014 }}

On December 22, 2014, Bell signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals that included an invitation to major league spring training,{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Steve |date=December 27, 2014 |title=Nationals, Heath Bell Agree To Minor League Deal |url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/12/nationals-heath-bell-agree-to-minor-league-deal.html |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=MLB Trade Rumors}} however he was released on March 23.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2015/03/nationals-release-heath-bell.html|title=Nationals Release Heath Bell|last=Wilmoth|first=Charlie|work=mlbtradrumors.com|date=March 23, 2015|access-date=March 23, 2015}} He announced his retirement from baseball the following day.{{cite web|url=http://m.padres.mlb.com/news/article/114637156/pitcher-heath-bell-all-star-closer-with-san-diego-padres-retires|title=Bell's final toll: Longtime closer elects to retire|first=Corey|last=Brock|work=mlb.com|date=March 24, 2015|access-date=March 24, 2015|archive-date=March 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326021001/http://m.padres.mlb.com/news/article/114637156/pitcher-heath-bell-all-star-closer-with-san-diego-padres-retires|url-status=dead}}

Bell holds the National League record for consecutive errorless games as a pitcher, 549, which he set while playing for multiple teams during 2004–2013.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-almanac.com/rb_pier.shtml |title=MLB Error Records for Pitchers |website=Baseball Almanac |accessdate=September 26, 2021}}

In 628.2 innings over 590 appearances, Bell committed only one error in 124 total chances, recording a .992 fielding percentage, 33 points higher than the league average at his position.{{cite web|url=https://baseball-reference.com/players/b/bellhe01.shtml|title=Heath Bell Stats at Baseball Reference|website=baseball-reference.com|accessdate= July 11, 2024}}

Image:Heath Bell San Diego Padres.jpg

Generally a power pitcher, Bell averaged nearly a full strikeout per inning but also proved to be hittable in his 2005 sophomore season allowing 10.8 hits per nine innings and a very high 5.59 earned run average. Bell has a 94–98 mph fastball, usually sitting between 95 and 96. He also has an 11–5 curveball in the low 80s.{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/y2007/gd.html?2007_10_01_sdnmlb_colmlb_1|title=Gameday 2007|publisher=mlb|access-date=March 10, 2011}} Keith Law of ESPN wrote in 2011 that Bell had a straight fastball and pitches in the upper half of the zone, and benefited from pitching in the spacious Petco Park as a Padre.{{cite news|last=Law|first=Keith|author-link=Keith Law (baseball writer)|title=Heath Bell a mistake for Miami|date=December 2, 2011|work=ESPN.com|url=https://insider.espn.com/mlb/blog/_/name/law_keith/id/7306421/mlb-miami-marlins-make-mistake-heath-bell|access-date=December 2, 2011}}{{subscription required}}

Bell is married to Nicole Bell and they have four children.{{cite web|title=Player Bio Information|work=MLB.com|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/components/team/player/bio_iframe.html?is_mug_shot=true&roster_cid=sd&cid=sd&player_id=425514|access-date=March 20, 2011}} In 2009 article by USA Today, Bell revealed one of their children has Down syndrome, whom he called their "blessing in disguise."{{Cite web |last=admin |title=Heath Bell – Society for American Baseball Research |url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/heath-bell/ |access-date=2025-04-08 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Padres' Bell acting like 'kid at Toys 'R' Us' - USATODAY.com |url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/allstar/2009-07-13-bell-day-with_N.htm |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=usatoday30.usatoday.com}} The family resides in Poway, California. He is the cousin of actor and singer-songwriter Drake Bell and former basketball player Erik Meek.{{cite news|last=Kurkjian|first=Tim|author-link=Tim Kurkjian|title=Fun-loving Bell finally has his dream job|date=April 17, 2009|magazine=ESPN The Magazine|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=kurkjian_tim&id=4073444|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100826073050/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=kurkjian_tim&id=4073444|archive-date=August 26, 2010|url-status=live}}

Bell joined the Hope For Leadership Foundation, a Christian-based movement that promotes sports and civic programs for inner-city kids.

Bell is known for being a Christian. He participated in a first-person story with Athletes For God,{{Cite web |title=Heath Bell |url=https://www.athletesforgod.com/heath-bell/page-1 |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Athletes For God |language=en-US}} telling the role his faith played in his journey through the minors and major leagues.

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