PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — San Diego Padres reliever Heath Bell was initially bothered by comments from, of all things, a video game console.

But now the heir apparent to Trevor Hoffman credits his Nintendo Wii Fit game for helping him lose 25 pounds. Bell, who has been given the first crack at taking over the closing role vacated by Hoffman, reported to camp at a svelte 245 pounds.

After spending the previous 16 seasons in San Diego, Hoffman signed a one-year, $6 million contract with Milwaukee in January.

The opportunity to take over for Hoffman, who is baseball’s all-time saves leader, was more than enough motivation for Bell. But Bell, who was 6-6 with a 3.58 ERA in 74 games last season, received an extra boost when he began playing video games with his children this offseason. At the time, Bell weighed 270 pounds.

“It said I was obese,” Bell said. “If you’re obese, it makes (your character on screen) obese. I was disappointed that I was that big. I literally took the game to heart. I did the work but I kind of credit the Wii Fit.”

After coming over to San Diego in a November 2006 trade from the New York Mets, Bell reported to camp in 2007 at 250 pounds. The 31-year-old posted a 6-4 record with a 2.02 ERA, striking out 102 hitters in 93 2-3 innings in 2007. Getting his weight down became one of Bell’s primary goals and now he’s feeling good as he prepares to become a closer.

“It makes me feel good to hear the coaches say, ‘Don’t lose any more weight’ because they don’t want me to lose velocity,” Bell said. “I look stronger.”

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Originally posted 2009-02-16 17:52:29.

Popularity: 1% [?]

5-year-old Giuliano Stroe may not be old enough to drive himself to the gym, but his insuperable strength has landed himself a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.

The Romanian pre-schooler, who began lifting weights at the tender age of two, set the record for the fastest ever 10-meter hand walk with a weight ball between his legs.

Stroe showcased his skills on an Italian TV show and has since evolved into a YouTube sensation, with hundreds of thousands of people clicking on to watch the amazing feat.

The boy’s father, Iulian Stroe, 33, said Giuliano has been accompanying him to the gym ever since he was born.

Iulian said while he enjoys working out with his son, he always makes sure the schedule isn’t too much for him.

“He is never allowed to practice on his own,” said Stroe. “He is only a child, and if he gets tired, we go and play.”

When he’s not exercising, Giuliano says he enjoys doing normal kid stuff such as watching cartoons and painting.

In 1995, another child body builder made headlines after being declared The Strongest Boy in the World at the age of three.

Richard Sandrak, who quickly became known as Little Hercules, could bench press 210 pounds at the age of six.

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Originally posted 2009-10-27 06:11:35.

Popularity: 11% [?]