Bell originally signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1984 at the age of 16 and spent four seasons in its minor league system.

Bell was acquired along with Ken Howell and Brian Holton by the Baltimore Orioles from the Dodgers for Eddie Murray on December 4, 1988.

In August 1992, Bell was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for infielder Steve Scarsone and was back in the majors.

In 46 games, as the regular shortstop over the remainder of the season, Bell hit .204, however it was enough to allow him to stick with the big club in spring training.

Bell died of kidney disease in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on August 24, 2016.