a memorial patch for mike bell

mike bell, like his brother david before him, was a third generation major league ballplayer, following in the footsteps of grandfather gus and father buddy. he made it to the big leagues for a few months during the 2000 season, playing for his hometown reds.

ultimately, bell turned to coaching and managed in the diamondbacks' system. prior to the 2020 season, he was rocco baldelli's choice for a bench coach, and so bell joined the twins in that role. unfortunately, he passed away during spring training prior to the 2021 season after an operation related to kidney cancer.

the twins wore a memorial patch all season to honor their coach. this is a 2021 topps update ben rortvedt black border parallel card

that i found in my box of update last year. i decided that this would be the card to represent bell's memorial in my collection as the patch is clearly seen on rortvedt's right sleeve.  on jackie robinson day, the twins moved the patch to their left chest, as seen on this 2021 topps now card

for the record, that's ryan jeffers, not rortvet, with the gear on next to max kepler.

bell was only 46 years old when he passed away, and it was clear that his passing affected many in the twins organization even though he had spent just one season with them. rest in peace!