Reds hire Cincinnati native as manager
Skipper’s dad, Buddy, works in team’s front office.
David Bell, a Cincinnati native and former major league infielder, is tasked with turning around a team that was 67-95 last season.
David Bell has been CINCINNATI — hired as manager of the Cincinnati Reds, tasked with helping turn around a team that skidded to a 67-95 record and lastplace finish in the NL Central.
The Reds said Sunday he has been given a three-year contract that includes a team option for 2022. The 46-year-old Cincin- nati native and former big-league infielder will be introduced at a news conference today.
The Reds fired Bryan Price after a 3-15 start, and Jim Riggleman served as interim manager for the rest of the season.
Bell was a minor league manager for the Reds from 2009-12, became the Chicago Cubs’ third base coach in 2013, St. Louis’ assistant hitting coach the fol- lowing year and the Cardinals’ bench coach for the next three years. He was San Francisco’s vice president of player development last season.
Bell and his father, Reds front-office executive Buddy, become the fourth father-son duo to serve as major league managers, joining George and Dick Sisler, Bob and Joel Skinner, and Bob and Aaron Boone. Buddy Bell managed the Detroit Tigers (1996-1998), Colorado Rockies (2000-2002) and Kansas City Royals (2005-2007).
David Bell becomes the 63rd manager in Reds’ history. He is the first manager hired during this offseason, although Brad Ausmus was named the Los Angeles Angels’ manager later Sunday, moving from the front office to the dugout to replace longtime skipper Mike Scioscia.
The Baltimore Orioles, Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays still have openings.
Bell was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the seventh round of the 1990 draft and made his major-league debut in 1995. He played parts of 12 seasons in the majors with the Indians, Cardinals, Mariners, Giants, Phillies and Brewers.