PITTSBURGH -- Before Josh Bell was the Pirates starting first baseman, before he ever even signed a professional contract, he was just a kid from Coppell, Texas, who loved baseball. He played with his father in his backyard. He played pickup games with family members, and he played for his local neighborhood team -- the Coppell Cowboys.
It's a reason why Bell is involved with the Pirates Play Ball initiative, which is focused on promoting youth participation, through fun baseball and softball activities. Bell hopes today's children enjoy similar experiences playing baseball.
"I think [Play Ball] is awesome," Bell said.