Reds Rock Threads From 1956 - David Bell Wears Grandfather's Replica Uniform

There are few people who have grown up with Reds' lore than David Bell, the current Reds' manager.

Wally Post, Ted Kluszewski and Gus Bell

The Reds are wearing the uniforms the team wore in 1956, David's grandfather Gus was a member of that team that set the then record for home runs by a team at 221.  Gus Bell hit 29 of them as the Reds' center fielder and made the All-Star team that season.  Rookie Frank Robinson set the rookie record with 38 as the Reds left fielder.  Former Reds' broadcaster, pitcher Nuxhall, chipped in with two.

Wally Post from St. Mary's, Ohio hit 36 and Ted Kluszewski, "Big Klu" hit 35 and was known for cutting off the sleeves of the red T-shirt the Reds wore underneath the jersey.

Gus Bell hit 206 home runs in his 15-year career.

The team had a 91-63 record and finished in third place in the National League, two games behind the champion Brooklyn Dodgers and one game behind the second place Milwaukee Braves.  The manager was Birdie Tebbetts.


The Reds' were in first place as late as July 12.

Bell, who wears number 25, worn by his grandfather and father, Buddy Bell.  Buddy had an 18-year career and hit 201 home runs, including 43 from 1985 - 1988 when he was a member of the Reds.  Mike Bell, who is David's brother, played 19 games with the Reds in 2000.  He hit two home runs.

Gus Bell played his last Major League game on May 1, 1964 as a member of the Milwaukee Braves.  David was born in 1972 and played his Major League game on May 3, 1995 with the Cleveland Indians.  His grandfather passed away four days later.


David was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals later that year and hit the first of his 123 home runs against the Reds in Riverfront Stadium on August 30 of that season.  Bell hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning off Mark Portugal to break a 2-2 tie.

"I am wearing the sleeves," David Bell said.  "My grandfather did wear the sleeves.  I haven't seen any pictures of him without the sleeves.  If he would have done it.  I would have done it."

"When I saw the notice go up in our locker room last night.  I didn't realize what we were wearing," Bell said. That's definitely one I wanted to wear.  It will be fun to wear,"