David Bell Promoted In Reds Organization

Though he has never played for the Reds, David Bell, is as close as one could be without actually putting on a uniform.

Bell was named manager of the Reds top farm team in Louisville.

Bell replaces Rick Sweet, who skippered the Bats for the last six seasons.  Sweet has taken a job with the Reds as catching coordinator.  He will remain an important part of the organization.

Bell's grandfather Gus, a Louisville native, played for the Reds from 1953 through the Reds pennant winning season of 1961.  The elder Bell, whose given name is also David, then became a member of the original New York Mets.

Gus's son and David Bell's father, David Gus "Buddy" Bell starred at Cincinnati's Moeller High School before beginning an 18 year major league career, three of which were spent with the Reds.  Buddy has managed the Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals.  He currently works for the Chicago White Sox in the personnel department.and has been considered as a candidate to take over for the recently departed Ozzie Guillen but the job was awarded to Robin Ventura.  Buddy's son Michael played for the Reds briefly for the Reds in 2000.

David Michael Bell also graduated from Moeller High and played 12 seasons in the major leagues.  The 39-year old played for Cleveland, Seattle, St. Louis, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Milwaukee.

Bell played under current Reds manager Dusty Baker, on San Francisco's World Series runner up in 2002.

Bell had been managing the last three seasons in Double A Carolina for the Reds comes home to Louisville where he played for the Redbirds from 1995-97.