Effa Manley, called Willie Wells “The finest shortstop, black or white.” Few argued with her.
Wells played in an era where the color of his skin kept him barred from the big leagues, but he starred in the Negro Leagues and Canada – as well as Mexico and Cuba where he played against white major leaguers. It was during his time in Mexico that he was christened with the nickname “El Diablo” – The Devil. Because of his acrobatic play at shortstop, the players in the Mexican League began to say “don’t hit it to shortstop because ‘El Diablo” plays there.”
