George Bell was a professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues for over a decade. He was born in the Dominican Republic in 1959 and began his baseball career in the minor leagues in the early 1980s. He quickly rose through the ranks and made his Major League debut in 1981 with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Bell played primarily as an outfielder and designated hitter throughout his career. He was known for his powerful swing and ability to hit home runs. He was also a solid defensive player, with a strong arm and good range in the outfield.
Bell had his best season in 1987, when he won the American League MVP award. He hit .308 with 47 home runs and 134 RBIs, leading the league in all three categories. He also won a Silver Slugger award and was named to the All-Star team.
Bell played for the Blue Jays for nine seasons before being traded to the Chicago Cubs in 1990. He spent two seasons with the Cubs before finishing his career with the Chicago White Sox in 1993.
Overall, Bell had a successful career in the Major Leagues. He hit 265 home runs and drove in 1,002 runs over the course of his career. He was a three-time All-Star and won two Silver Slugger awards. He also won a Gold Glove award in 1987 for his defensive play in the outfield.
After retiring from baseball, Bell remained involved in the sport. He worked as a coach and manager in the minor leagues and also served as a special assistant to the general manager for the Blue Jays. In 2013, he was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.
Despite his success on the field, Bell was known for his fiery personality and sometimes clashed with teammates and coaches. He was also involved in a number of controversies throughout his career, including a feud with former teammate Jesse Barfield and a physical altercation with a reporter.
Despite these issues, Bell remains a beloved figure among Blue Jays fans. His powerful swing and clutch hitting helped lead the team to its first division title in 1985 and its first World Series championship in 1992. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest players in Blue Jays history.
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