After being released by the Washington Nationals on Monday, veteran reliever and former Met Heath Bell has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball.
Bell told MLB.com’s Corey Brock:
“My kids wanted me home. What’s more important: my kids or the big leagues? I’ve already accomplished more than I ever dreamed of. Now it’s time to help them accomplish their dreams.”
Bell pitched for the Mets from 2004-2006, but had his best years with the San Diego Padres from 2007-2011 after the Mets dealt him for relief pitcher Jon Adkins and OF Ben Johnson.
In three seasons. mostly as closer for the Padres (2009-2011), Bell went 15-9 while recording 132 saves, with a 2.36 ERA. He was an All-Star each of those three years and finished 8th in Cy Young voting in 2010.
