James Thomas "Cool Papa" Bell - Grave of a Famous Person on Waymarking.com

James “Cool Papa” Bell was one of the most famous players in the Negro Leagues. For over 28-years Cool Papa Bell played in the Negro Leagues for such teams as the Homestead Grays, Kansas City Monarchs and the St. Louis Stars. Cool Papa was considered by many baseball observers to have been the fastest man ever to play the game. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974. He died in St. Louis, Missouri on March 7, 1991 and is buried in St. Peters Cemetery.

Source/Credit: National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Description: James "Cool Papa" Bell was born on May 17, 1903 in Starkville, Mississippi. In 1922, the St. Louis Stars signed Bell for $90 a month as a left-handed pitcher with a wicked curve and a fade-away knuckler. After beating the Chicago American Giants' Jimmy Lyons in a match race, to claim the league's fastest man title, the Stars assigned Bell to patrol spacious centerfield. Two years later, the switch-hitting Bell became the starting centerfielder for the Stars. Bell stayed with the Stars until 1931, when the Negro National League disbanded under the aftermath of the Depression. In ten years with the Stars, he led them to league titles in 1928 and 1930. He joined the Pittsburgh Crawfords in 1933 and played alongside other future Hall of Famers like Judy Johnson, Josh Gibson, Oscar Charleston and Satchel Paige In 1943, Cum Posey lured Bell to join his power-packed Homestead Grays where he finished his active career. In 1948, Bell managed the Kansas City Monarchs' B-Team. He tutored future Major Leaguers like Ernie Banks and Elston Howard before hanging up his cleats forever. Cool Papa Bell personally helped Jackie Robinson by doing everything he could to assist his transition into the major leagues. When Jackie finally made it, Bell said it was the greatest moment in his life! He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974. Cool Papa Bell retired to St. Louis and on March 7, 1991, Cool Papa" Bell died in his home on Dickson Street at age 87. He is resting in the St. Peter’s Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri. Date of birth: 05/17/1903 Date of death: 03/07/1991 Area of notoriety: Sports Marker Type: Monument Setting: Outdoor Visiting Hours/Restrictions: Daily - Dawn to Dusk Fee required?: No Web site: [Web Link]

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