Bell's hard work at first base paying off 

PITTSBURGH -- Adam Frazier has shared an infield with Josh Bell since 2015, Bell’s first full season as an everyday first baseman for Double-A Altoona. So Frazier is as familiar as anyone can be with Bell’s defensive work, which lends credibility to his assessment of Bell’s recent play.

“Best I’ve seen him at first,” Frazier said.

Bell began his professional career as a right fielder, officially moved to first base during the 2014 Arizona Fall League season then spent years working to become a serviceable defender there. He did seemingly everything in his power to improve, but progress came slowly.

He was out for early infield practice more than anyone on the team. He worked with special assistant Kevin Young and infield coach Joey Cora in the offseason. He focused on his flexibility through daily yoga sessions and paid attention to his footwork. His throwing is still an issue -- his most recent error was a poor throw to second base -- but all that work seems to be paying off this season.

“There’s no replacing hard work. Things don’t just happen,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “Josh has put in the time, the energy and the effort. He gets to watch really good first basemen in this division play, to continue to challenge himself on what he wants to become. I think he’s realistic in the nature of being the best he can be. I think that’s one of the things that has enabled him to make some improvement.”

Bell is by no means perfect at first base. He committed three errors in his first 30 games. But the 26-year-old’s teammates have praised his picks, scoops and stretches, all of which make life easier for the rest of the infield. Rookie shortstop Cole Tucker noted that it’s also easy to throw to a big target like Bell, who is listed at 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds.

“He’s helped out a lot with everybody else, scooping balls like he has,” Frazier said. “It helps. It helps the whole infield. It helps our pitching staff as well.

“He’s put in a lot of work over there. He works harder than anybody. I’m pretty happy for him to see his progress.”

Frazier isn’t alone in that regard. Bell’s offensive improvement has been more obvious and perhaps more important, as he entered Tuesday’s game with eight homers, 25 RBIs and a .981 OPS. But those who have seen his defensive work over the past five years are just as pleased to see the strides he’s taken at first base.

“Whether he ever tops out to be the best he can be, I anticipate him getting there. He’s not there yet, but he’s shown so much improvement from when he showed up a few years ago,” Hurdle said. “I do think it’s because of hard work. Is there a confidence that comes with banging the ball? Probably a little bit as well. Maybe you play a little freer, a little easier. However, this young man has worked as hard as anyone that I’ve ever been around to improve defensively.”

Honorary Bat Girl to represent Pirates

Major League Baseball on Tuesday announced this year’s Honorary Bat Girls, one for each of the 30 clubs, in support of the annual “Going To Bat Against Breast Cancer” initiative recognized each Mother’s Day to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research. This year, each of the Honorary Bat Girls will raise money to benefit Stand up to Cancer, and the winner of that contest will get to attend the World Series.

Kelly Marquis, from Jeannette, Pa., will represent the Pirates at PNC Park later this season, as the Bucs will be in St. Louis on Mother’s Day. Marquis was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2018 and went through her last round of chemotherapy in September, a month before her 40th birthday.

Marquis, a dedicated runner, has become an advocate for self-exams and early detection. Her friends organized the “Fight Like Kelly 5K” in October, and the race raised more than $14,000 for A Glimmer of Hope Foundation, a Pittsburgh-based breast cancer foundation.

Visit HonoraryBatGirl.com to see the list of honorees around the Majors and to learn more about the initiative.