Only one week after working the National League Division Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Pirates umpire Wally Bell passed away from what appeared to be a heart attack at the age of 48 on Monday, according to the Associated Press.
Bell, a resident of Youngstown, Ohio, had been an umpire in Major League Baseball for 21 years. Bell became a National League umpire in 1993 back when each league still had separate umpires. In his 21 seasons Bell worked three All-Star Games, seven Division Series, four League Championship Series and the 2006 World Series, according to MLB.com.
"All of us at Major League Baseball are in mourning tonight regarding the sudden passing of Wally Bell," Commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement. "I always enjoyed seeing Wally, who was a terrific umpire and such an impressive young man. On behalf of our 30 clubs, I extend my deepest condolences to Wally's family, fellow umpires and his many friends throughout the game."
Bell had a history of heart problems; in 1999 he had surgery after it was learned that two of his arteries were completely blocked while three more had at least a 70 percent blockage. Bell was able to return to the field 11 weeks after the surgery, a feat that he listed as the proudest moment of his career on his MLB.com biography, the Associated Press reports.
The crew that worked Monday night's game between the Dodgers and Cardinals learned about their colleague's death an hour before the game.
"It was obviously very difficult, and we had to regroup rather quickly and put our concentration where it needed to be," crew chief Gerry Davis told MLB.com. "We kept telling each other that that's the way Wally would have wanted it, and we know that that's really true."
Players from all throughout the Major Leagues showed their sadness and support for Bell's family on Twitter.
So sad to hear about the passing of Wally Bell. Such a great person and truly one of the best in the game. Gone too soon...
— Kurt Suzuki (@kurtsuzuki) October 15, 2013
Very sad to hear of the passing of umpire Wally Bell. My Prayers to his family, I very much enjoyed working with him! — Mike Piazza (@mikepiazza31) October 15, 2013
Baseball lost a good umpire but better human being. one of my favorites! #WallyBell #RIP pic.twitter.com/jVio6uCIkU
— Carlos Beltran (@carlosbeltran15) October 15, 2013
Just heard the news & devastated about the passing of Wally Bell. A great umpire, a great man.My thoughts & prayers are with his family. — Jake Peavy (@JakePeavy_44) October 15, 2013
"Wally was a great umpire, a great partner and a great friend," Joe West, President of the World Umpires Association, told the Associated Press. "The umpiring community is deeply saddened by this tragic loss. He will be sorely missed by many."
Bell was surived by his son Jason, and daughter, Lindsey, according to the Associated Press.
