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As part of Class of 1974, Cool Papa Bell made history

Part of the INSIDE PITCH series
Written by: Nick Anapolis

In the game of baseball, speed never goes into a slump. This saying holds true for James “Cool Papa” Bell, as his legs helped him dash his way to Cooperstown with a Hall of Fame career.

On Feb. 13, 1974, the player known as the “fastest man to ever play the game” was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Born in Starkville, Miss., the Negro League standout started off as a pitcher for the St. Louis Stars during his rookie season in 1922. It was there where Bell would reportedly receive his famous nickname “Cool Papa”. The 19 year-old was asked to get his team out of a jam – and without flinching he was able to end the inning, earning his title.

In 1924 Bell became the starting center fielder for the Stars, helping them to three league titles. The switch-hitter had one of the longest careers in Negro Leagues history, compiling a .316 career average over 21 seasons.

“If Cool Papa had known about colleges or if colleges had known about Cool Papa, (Olympian) Jesse Owens would have looked like he was walking.” said teammate Satchel Paige.

Clockwise from top left, Mickey Mantle, the widow of Jim Bottomley, Whitey Ford, Jocko Conlan and Cool Papa Bell hold representations of their Hall of Fame plaques at Induction Weekend 1974 in Cooperstown. Bell played 21 seasons in the Negro Leagues and was considered one of the best base runners of all-time. (National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum)

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Although many of the stories about Bell’s superior speed were exaggerated, some were documented. Being clocked in a mere 12 seconds rounding all the bases and scoring on a bunt from first base are just a few examples of the lightning-quick leadoff hitter.

“If the bunt bounced twice, you just put it in your pocket,” said Ted “Double Duty” Radcliffe describing Bell’s swiftness.

The magnificent defensive center fielder eventually went on to play for the Pittsburgh Crawfords, who in 1935 fielded arguably the best team in Negro Leagues history with future Hall of Famers like Josh Gibson, Judy Johnson and Oscar Charleston.

Fans gather in Cooper Park to watch the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Aug. 12, 1974. (National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum)

Bell ultimately went on to become a player-manager and scout for the Monarchs farm team, working with future Hall of Famers Jackie Robinson and Ernie Banks.

Bell retired from baseball in 1950 after 29 seasons. He died in St. Louis in 1991 at the age of 87.

“So many people say that I was born too soon, but that’s not true. They opened the doors too late,” Bell said.

From left, Class of 1974 members Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, Cool Papa Bell and Jocko Conlan pose for a photo during the Aug. 12, 1974 Induction Ceremony in Cooperstown. Bell became the fifth Negro Leagues player inducted into the Hall of Fame that summer. (National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum)

The Class of 1974 included Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, Jocko Conlan, Jim Bottomley, Sam Thompson and Bell.

Nick Anapolis was the spring 2013 public relations intern at the Baseball Hall of Fame

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Part of the INSIDE PITCH series