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Heath Bell has retired from baseball

heath bell getty

Veteran reliever Heath Bell was released by the Nationals on Monday after walking five batters and surrendering five runs -- four earned -- over 6 1/3 Grapefruit League innings. And the 37-year-old righty is not going to try to latch on with another team.

Bell told MLB.com’s Corey Brock on Tuesday evening that he is officially retiring from baseball: “My kids wanted me home,” said Bell. “What’s more important: my kids or the big leagues? I’ve already accomplished more than I ever dreamed of. Now it’s time to help them accomplish their dreams.”

Bell didn’t finish his 11-year major league career on a high note, but he had a spectacular run with the Padres from 2007-2011, posting a 2.53 ERA, 9.4 K/9 and 134 saves in 374 innings.

His career earnings were in the $37 million range.

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