gold star for USAHOF

29. Heath Bell

Heath Bell played for the New York Mets for three years before being traded to the Padres after the 2006 Season.  It proved to be a fantastic opportunity for Bell, and eventually, some of the biggest shoes for a reliever to ever fill.

Bell worked his way up to become Trevor Hoffman's setup man.  Hoffman signed with the Brewers in 2009, and Bell was given the closer's role, and he rose to the occasion.  From 2009 to 2011, Bell was one of the top Relief Pitchers in Baseball, recording at least 42 Saves, and going to the All-Star Game in all of them.  He won versions of the Reliever of the Year in 2009 and 2010, with an eighth-place Cy Young in 2010.

Like Hoffman, Bell left San Diego for free agency, but he never had a good year again unlike Hoffman.  Bell finished 194 Games, saved 134, and had a 2.53 ERA for the Padres.

Heath Bell

Heath Bell would exceed the 40 Saves mark three seasons in a row as a member of the San Diego Padres.  Bell would also be a three time All Star and was a National League Saves Champion in 2009.