Dreams coming true for entire Bell family

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, June 13, 2002 | 9:47 a.m.

Growing up in a family that included father Buddy Bell and grandfather Gus Bell -- a pair of former major leaguers -- brothers David, Ricky and Mike Bell always assumed they'd also find themselves in the big leagues one day.

"We always felt like that's what would happen," Ricky Bell said. "You grow up and play baseball and see role models like your dad and his dad. But as you get older, you realize it's a tougher road to the big leagues than you thought."

David Bell, 29, has been living his dream since 1995, playing for four different major league clubs, including last season's 116-win Seattle Mariners. This season, he has been the everyday third baseman for San Francisco.

Ricky, 23, and Mike, 27, are just one step away, with both playing in the triple-A Pacific Coast League this season. Ricky is Las Vegas' regular third baseman and Mike is a first baseman for Colorado Springs, currently on the disabled list after undergoing hand surgery.

That sets up an interesting possibility. Promotions for Ricky and Mike would put all three brothers in the National League West -- Ricky with the Dodgers, Mike with the Rockies and David with the Giants.

"That would be a treat for the whole family if that could happen," 51s manager Brad Mills said.

In his first season at the triple-A level, Ricky is doing his part to make that scenario a reality. In 57 games, Bell is batting .293 with six home runs and 40 RBIs and has earned high praise from Mills for his work in the field as well.

"He's improved so much at third base, not just defensively with the glove, but also throwing the ball," Mills said. "He's made some real good strides."

Above all, Bell has impressed his manager with his knowledge of the game -- a product of spending years in and around big-league dugouts with his father.

"You know he's been around the game by the way he takes ground balls, the way he swings the bat, takes batting practice," Mills said. "It's how he goes about getting his work in. You can tell he's been around a lot of clubhouses."

In 2001, Ricky watched as David played in a Seattle lineup that led the majors in runs and produced a major league record for victories in a season. Harboring no jealousy, Ricky said his brother's accomplishments only made him yearn for the day the two might face one another on the field.

"I can really enjoy watching his success, and I think he feels the same way about me," he said.

Las Vegas starter Kevin Beirne (6-1) pitched seven strong innings, striking out nine.