Wally Bell dies

NEW YORK — Major League Baseball umpire Wally Bell died of an apparent heart attack Monday, a week after working the NL playoff series between the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals. He was 48.

The commissioner's office said Bell died in his home state of Ohio.

Bell had not been feeling well over the weekend and had been scheduled to see doctors later Monday at the Cleveland Clinic.

Bell had quintuple bypass surgery on Feb. 18, 1999, that left him with an 8-inch scar down the middle of his chest. His father survived two heart attacks before he died.

"All of us at Major League Baseball are in mourning tonight regarding the sudden passing of Wally Bell," Commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement. "I always enjoyed seeing Wally, who was a terrific umpire and such an impressive young man. On behalf of our 30 clubs, I extend my deepest condolences to Wally's family, fellow umpires and his many friends throughout the game."

Bell was the first active MLB umpire to die since John McSherry passed away of a heart attack on the field in Cincinnati on opening day in 1996.

Bell worked the 2006 World Series and three All-Star games, including this year's event at Citi Field, where he was stationed at first base. A veteran of 21 big league seasons, he had also worked four league championship series and seven division series since joining the major league staff in 1993.

"It was a devastating loss for us. Wally was a true umpire's umpire," said Gerry Davis, crew chief for the NL championship series. "I think if you'll check with the players and teams they felt the same way because Wally always gave 110 percent on the field."