Auburn Doubledays standout closer Bobby Bell gives the credit for his success as a relief pitcher to his experience in the college baseball program at Rice University.

“My experience there is why I am here right now,” Bell said. “I am very excited to have been drafted and to be a part of the Blue Jays organization. I am really happy to have this opportunity.”

At Rice, Bell was a freshman All-American and earned second team all conference his sophomore year. His statistics were impressive with 21 strikeouts, no walks and was tied for the team lead in saves.

With a fear that his career would be cut short, Bell recently went through the long rehab process from Tommy John surgery, not sure if he would ever get back on the hill again.

“It was such a long rehab,” Bell said. “It was definitely a relief to get back on the mound and throw again.”

He did not get back on the mound until April 12 and earned his first save just over two months later on June 29.

“It was nice to get right back into it,” Bell said. “It's like riding a bike I guess.”

Bell is riding right into a pretty successful season with five saves, 25 strikeouts, eight allowed hits and only two earned runs in 19 1-3 innings pitched.

“I am trying to become as good as I can,” Bell said. “I am learning as much as I can from Tony (pitching coach Antonio Caceres) and grow as a player. I am concentrating on staying focused and attacking the hitters and the strike zone.”

With his baseball dreams finally coming true, Bell can look back and laugh a little about where he thought his future might go while he was going through his rehabilitation.

“I actually went on an interview for a job related to my college major during rehab,” Bell said.

“I was concerned that I may never play again and decided to look into a position in consulting and investment banking. It is nice to have something to fall back on, but baseball is my dream, my main goal. I definitely would have been disappointed to not be able to play, this is an amazing opportunity and I really didn't think I would be here, it is wonderful.”

Pitching in the major leagues has been his dream since he played little league at five.

“My dad put my first glove in my hand,” Bell said. “He was really into baseball and he raised me with it.”

Being from Aledo, Texas, Bell grew up attending many Texas Rangers games and found himself jumping on the fan bandwagon for the Houston Astros as well.

“I guess I didn't have one team,” Bell said. “My favorite player has always been Greg Maddox though, I love to watch him work.”

When he is not watching or playing baseball, Bell likes to relax and get outdoors.

“I like to go fishing a lot,” Bell said. “I just recently learned to fly fish. I also like to go golfing and hunting when I am home. I play a lot of Ping-Pong and pool, and basically anything related to playing or watching sports.”

It might be possible to think that being so far from home can be difficult for Bell, but he takes it in stride.

“It's a part of the deal,” Bell said. “I had the experience of being away from my family in college too. They try to make it to games and we talk as much as we can so it isn't too bad. The area here is really nice too, when the guys are complaining that it is hot out here, I tell them that they don't know what hot is. The weather is definitely a change from home.”

Being drafted to the Toronto Blue Jays organization and being able to play for the Auburn Doubledays is an exciting experience far from home for this southern pitcher and he is ready to enjoy some success.

“I'm hoping to help us get the seventh straight for Dennis (Holmberg),” Bell said. “We have a talented crew here and we just have to stay focused.”