About Inductee

A graduate of Johnson High School, Jeff Bell has enjoyed a distinguished career as both player and coach. He was named to the All-City Baseball team in 1979 as a first baseman and later named to the All-Decade Football team for the 1970's as a linebacker. In a two year career at Calhoun Junior College (1980-1981), Jeff earned the honors of team captain and recipient of the Golden Glove Award. In 1982-83, Jeff played for the University of North Alabama where he was Golden Glove award winner both seasons and MVP and All-Gulf South Conference in 1983. Jeff's first coaching position started at Bob Jones High School (1985-90) where he served as assistant football coach. He was the defensive coordinator while the Patriots won four Madison County championships and participated in the state playoffs those four years. He also coached the girls' softball team at Bob Jones for two years. In 1990 he moved to Hazel Green and this was the beginning of an outstanding career as Head Baseball Coach. In fifteen years, Jeff had a record of 336-147(.696). Jeff's teams were county champions five times, area champions eight times, with 11 playoff appearances and four of his teams made the Final Eight. Over 30 of his players signed college scholarships, five received First Team All-State honors and two signed major league contracts. Coach of the Year honors include: seven times as Madison County Coach of the Year and twice as Metro Coach of the Year. Hazel Green High School currently plays on "Jeff Bell" Field and jersey #12 is retired in his honor. He credits his dad and mom for instilling in him the competitive drive, personal convictions, work ethic, values and beliefs in the Lord Jesus Christ. He says he still lives today by these values that were taught to him by his loving and hard working parents. Secondly, he names former Johnson High School defensive coordinator, John Inman, as the reason he chose to become a coach. Inman's enthusiasm, work ethic, and inspirational pre-game speeches were a big influence on Jeff. He also identifies great assistant coaches, great players, and a supportive wife as allowing him to flourish in his career. Jeff and his wife Laynette enjoy and dearly love three beautiful daughters, Erin, Samantha, and Payton.