Mike Bell, a third-generation major leaguer who oversaw the Diamondbacks’ farm system for nine years as a front office executive before leaving to become the Minnesota Twins bench coach two years ago, died on Friday morning after a bout with cancer. He was 46.
Bell, whose brother, Mike, is the manager of the Cincinnati Reds, and whose father, Buddy, and grandfather, Gus, had long playing careers in the majors, was diagnosed with kidney cancer in January only to learn weeks later the cancer had spread. His health declined quickly in recent days.
He is survived by his wife, Kelly, and their three children, Luke, Mikayla and Madeline.