George Bell

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Bell's journey began with a difficult start; he spent most of 1982 at Triple-A Syracuse, hitting .277. By 1984, he became a regular, posting a .292 average with 26 home runs. His defining moment arrived in 1985 when his outfield trio with Lloyd Moseby and Jesse Barfield helped the Blue Jays win their first-ever American League East title. Bell secured this historic achievement by catching the final fly ball off Don Baylor of the New York Yankees on October 5, clinching the division. Although they lost the ALCS to Kansas City, Bell returned in 1987 to deliver his best season: a .308 average, 47 home runs, and a league-leading 134 RBI, earning him the MVP award. Despite conflicts with manager Jimy Williams regarding his role as a designated hitter in 1988, he rebounded in 1989 to help the team win another division title, hitting a walk-off home run against the White Sox at SkyDome.

In Their Own Story

On April 4, 1988, Bell etched his name in history as the first player to hit three home runs on Opening Day, all off pitcher Bret Saberhagen. However, that season was marred by friction with manager Jimy Williams, who wanted him exclusively at designated hitter. The tension with fans also peaked; after an error drew boos, Bell famously told the media they could "kiss my purple butt." The response was immediate: a sign appeared in left field reading, "George, we are behind you all the way." While his later years saw declining defense and knee injuries that limited him to 102 games in 1993, his early dominance remained undeniable. In 1987 alone, he recorded 369 total bases, leading the major leagues. His final season with Toronto ended with a trade across town to the Chicago White Sox on March 30, 1992, for Sammy Sosa and Ken Patterson, concluding an era that included his induction into the Blue Jays' Level of Excellence.

Reader's Guide

George Bell's career is defined by raw power and specific milestones rather than longevity in a single role. He played 156 games in his MVP season (1987) but was limited to 102 games in 1993 due to knee issues. His statistics show a consistent power output, with 24 or more home runs in six different seasons. Fans should note that while he is associated with the Blue Jays' first championship run, he actually played his final two seasons (1992–1993) with the Chicago White Sox after being traded. His defensive reputation was mixed; he played mainly as a designated hitter during his last two years despite preferring the field. For collectors and historians, key moments include his 1985 division-clinching catch, his 1987 MVP campaign, and his historic three-homer Opening Day in 1988. He remains enshrined at the Rogers Centre's Level of Excellence.

Did You Know?

• Bell became the first player in MLB history to hit three home runs on Opening Day (April 4, 1988), all off Bret Saberhagen.
• In 1985, Bell caught the final out of a game against the New York Yankees to clinch the Blue Jays' first-ever division title.
• Bell was discovered in the Dominican Republic by Blue Jays scout Epy Guerrero before being selected in the 1980 Rule 5 draft.
• During his time with the White Sox, Bell charged pitcher Aaron Sele after being hit twice, leading to a benches-clearing brawl where he was clotheslined by Mo Vaughn.
• Bell is the older brother of late major leaguer Juan Bell.