Tommy Bell

Thomas Joseph Bell (September 11, 1922 – December 17, 1949) was an American professional basketball player. He played in the Eastern Professional Basketball League (EPBL) for three seasons with the Allentown Rockets, Lancaster Red Roses, Hazleton Mountaineers and Pottsville Packers. Bell was the player-coach of the Packers in 1949 when he suffered intestinal haemorrhages which were believed to be caused by a blow he received during a game. He never recovered from his illness and died ten months later.

Playing career Bell attended Northeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and played college basketball for the La Salle Explorers. On January 19, 1947, Bell's contract was purchased by the Lancaster Red Roses but he was permitted to play one final game with the Rockets in a 51–64 loss to the Red Roses the following night. He started the 1947–48 season with the Red Roses but was traded to the Hazleton Mountaineers after six games. He led the Packers to a 5–5 record during his tenure.

Bell played in 83 EPBL games and totalled 688 points. Hospital authorities believed that Bell's condition may have been caused by a blow he received while playing against the Reading Keys three days earlier. it collected over $1,300 which primarily went to Bell's hospital expenses.

Bell remained in the Naval Hospital Philadelphia until his release in July 1949. He returned to work but was readmitted to the Naval Hospital in September when his legs became paralyzed. By the start of December, Bell was still seriously ill but was able to return to his home from the hospital each weekend.

Bell died in his Philadelphia home on December 17, 1949, after ten months of illness. He was survived by his wife, Regina R. Bell.