Former Outfielder Gus Bell Dies

Gus Bell, an outfielder with the Cincinnati Reds for nine of his 15 major league seasons, died Sunday. He was 66.

Bell suffered a heart attack on May 1 and was at Bethesda North Hospital when he died, a spokeswoman said Monday. A funeral Mass is scheduled Wednesday at Good Shepherd Church in suburban Symmes Township.

Bell hit .281 while playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati, the New York Mets and the Milwaukee Braves in 1950-64. He was the starting right fielder in the Mets’ first game on April 11, 1962, and got their first hit in an 11-4 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

He was part of a rare three-generation baseball family. Bell, his son Buddy and grandson David all have played in the major leagues. Buddy is the Cleveland Indians’ infield coach. David is an infielder for the Indians.