Bell becomes 33rd member of Twins HOF

MINNEAPOLIS -- When examining both the past and the present of the Twins, from the state-of-the-art Target Field to the pair of World Series championship banners proudly displayed on the limestone exterior walls of the facility, it's difficult to find a part of the organization that hasn't been impacted by former team president Jerry Bell.

For his leading efforts in overseeing the construction and development of both Target Field and Hammond Stadium, the Spring Training home of the Twins, Bell was formally inducted as the 33rd member of the Twins Hall of Fame on Sunday, becoming the first president in the club's history to receive the distinction.

Bell was joined in the weekend's festivities by longtime closer Joe Nathan, who was also inducted in a ceremony before Saturday's game.

"It is a long way from the bleachers of Metropolitan Stadium watching Rod [Carew] and Harmon [Killebrew] and Tony [Oliva] and others, to being here today," Bell said. "I am humbled and honored to be part of the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame."

Bell served as president of the Twins from 1987-2002 before he was named president of Twins Sports Inc., the holding company of the Twins, from '02-11.

After Bell was named the third president of the Minnesota Twins in January 1987, he immediately presided over the only two World Series championships in Twins history in '87 and '91, highlights of which were shown in the "Blueprint of a Leader" video that was displayed on the Jumbotron with highlights of Bell's Twins tenure.

But the true hallmark of Bell's legacy is the very ballpark in which he stood as he was named to the club's Hall of Fame.

Though he spent most of his 15-minute acceptance speech thanking the contributions of the Pohlad family, current Twins president Dave St. Peter, team officials and others that also poured their energy into the new stadium, those around Bell made sure not to understate his importance in making the ballpark dream into a reality.

"No matter who you talk to, a Twins official, Minnesota state bylaw officiant, anyone, they will tell you that Jerry Bell was the lead man in the construction of Target Field," said retired radio announcer John Gordon as he introduced Bell. "During the construction process, Jerry always managed to keep his composure, tact and poise."

In his acceptance speech, Bell acknowledged the famous home-field advantage of the Metrodome and the history of the facility, which was home to the Twins' only World Series championships. But he had his sights set on outdoor baseball.

"It was always our dream to present baseball the way it was meant to be presented: outdoors, on real grass, in a best-in-class ballpark," Bell said. "I stand here today knowing that the persistence and collaboration required to withstand Minnesota's decade-long ballpark debate was well worth it.

"The ballpark helped ensure the viability of Twins baseball for future generations. It is not only an iconic landmark for the city and state -- most importantly, it does what ballparks do best: It brings community together."

Now, Bell's likeness will be enshrined on a plaque in the right-field plaza outside of that ballpark for generations to come.

"Looking back on my career, everything that we accomplished, be it winning the World Series, building Target Field, and so many other things, we were always supported by the Pohlad family, driven by the talented men and women across the Twins organization, and most importantly, inspired by our fans," Bell said.