David Bell got drafted from small college, saw 2 pro seasons

Three of Kenny Thomas' players at small Volunteer State Community College, including outfielder David Bell, saw their names called in the 1988 draft, something the head coach promoted as a big positive for the school, according The Nashville Tennessean.

"These players being drafted," Thomas told The Tennessean, "speaks very well for our program."

Bell eventually got to speak for Vol State in the pros, when he signed the next year. His pro talk, however, ended up limited. He played two seasons, making it as high as single-A.

Bell's career began that year in 1988, taken by the Cardinals in the 38th round of the draft out of Volunteer State.

He went to Vol State out of Smyrna High School. There, Bell doubled in a run and scored in a May 1987 game.

Bell signed with the Cardinals in May 1989 and started at rookie Johnson City. He came back from a June broken hand suffered on a diving catch to pick up five hits in an August double header. He got into 25 games overall and hit .226.

He moved to single-A Springfield for 1990. He got into 55 games, hitting just .143, ending his career.

• Nashville Tennessean, June 8, 1988: Vol State enjoys big return to baseball

More: The 1990 Springfield Cardinals

1990 Minor League Tally
Players/Coaches Featured: 2,640
Made the Majors:1,025-38.8%
Never Made Majors:1,615-61.2%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 425
10+ Seasons in the Minors:261

More 1990 Minor Leaguers:

 - Joe Beaulac signed 1st contract by headlight, saw 2 seasons, 4/2/22
 - Brian Beck played over five pro seasons with Padres, Pirates, 7/24/14
 - Rod Beck had that closer mentality over 14 majors seasons, 4/3/16
 - Wynn Beck caught, had left-handed bat, saw five pro seasons, 3/27/15

 - Rich Becker produced in 8 ML seasons with Twins, others, 7/12/24

 - Juan Belbru went on short run at Hamilton, saw four seasons, 2/19/17
 - Kevin Belcher made majors for 16 games with Rangers, 6/29/11
 - Stan Belinda saw 12 majors seasons, returned after MS, 9/22/11
 - Buddy Bell saw 18 majors seasons as player, 9 as manager, 7/8/14
 - David Bell got drafted from small college, saw 2 pro seasons, 6/3/17