bell was born while his father was playing for the pittsburgh pirates. he was drafted in 1969 by the indians and was regarded as a promising prospect from the beginning. he first appeared in the major leagues with the indians in , appearing mostly in the outfield as a rookie, but afterwards becoming a fixture at third base. bell was a solid, but not overpowering, right-handed hitter on a mostly lackluster indians team. he was named to the all-star team in 1973.