Over 11 major league seasons, he had 168 saves and a 3.49 ERA in 590 games with the New York Mets (2004-06), Padres (2007-11), Miami Marlins (2012), Arizona Diamondbacks (2013) and Tampa Bay (2014). Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
One day after he was released by the Washington Nationals, reliever Heath Bell told MLB.com that he is retiring.
“My kids wanted me home,” said Bell, who has four children ranging in age from 16 to 5. “What’s more important: my kids or the big leagues? I’ve already accomplished more than I ever dreamed of. Now it’s time to help them accomplish their dreams.”
Bell, 37, said he planned to drive home to San Diego alone from the Nationals’ spring base in Viera, Fla.
The right-hander was released by the Tampa Bay Rays last May after posting a 7.28 ERA in 13 games. Bell spent the remainder of the season pitching for the Triple-A affiliates of the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees.
A three-time All-Star, Bell signed a minor league deal with Washington in December that would have paid him $1 million if he had made the Opening Day roster. However, he struggled in camp with the Nationals, compiling a 5.68 ERA in seven appearances.
Bell’s best seasons came with the San Diego Padres from 2009-11, when he recorded 132 saves with a 2.36 ERA.
Over 11 major league seasons, he had 168 saves and a 3.49 ERA in 590 games with the New York Mets (2004-06), Padres (2007-11), Miami Marlins (2012), Arizona Diamondbacks (2013) and Tampa Bay (2014).
