Uncovering the Untold Legends Who Shaped Baseball Before the MLB Spotlight Shone
A prototype for the five-tool player, he often batted leadoff even though his 187 career home runs are recognized as the most in Negro Leagues history. His speed helped him to seasonal highs in triples six times and he twice led the league in stolen bases all while compiling a .349 career batting average.
Cool Papa Bell (1922-37, 1942-46)
Before there was Lou Brock, there was Cool Papa Bell.
James Thomas “Cool Papa” Bell was the player Satchel Paige was referring to when he delivered his famous quote: “He was so fast he could flip the light switch and be in bed before the room got dark.” Bell got his nickname because of his calm demeanor early in his career as a pitcher. Nowadays, they’d say he had ice water in his veins.



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