On April 4, , Bell became the first player in Major League history to hit three home runs on an opening day (all of them coming off of Bret Saberhagen), however, his play throughout the year declined as he conflicted with Blue Jays manager Jimy Williams, who wanted Bell to become the Jays' full-time designated hitter. Bell had a bounce-back year in , posting a .297 average, 18 HR and 104 RBI, helping the Blue Jays win their second division title. However, in the ALCS, he only hit .200 with one home run, as they lost the series to the Oakland Athletics.