Colorizing Early St. Louis Baseball: Cool Papa Bell

James “Cool Papa” Bell entered the world on May 17, 1903, amidst the modest backdrop of Starkville, Mississippi. Born into a family of meager means, James was raised by his single mother alongside his sister and five brothers. The challenges of their circumstances were compounded by the absence of educational opportunities for Black youth in Starkville. In 1919, recognizing the limitations of his hometown, James’s mother made the pivotal decision to send him to St. Louis, where his older brothers resided.

At 17 he joined forces with his brothers who had found their place within the ranks of the esteemed Compton Hills Cubs in the venerable St. Louis “City League.”

To make ends meet during his semi-pro exploits, Bell toiled at a packinghouse, earning a meager 53 cents per hour. He planned to attend night school, but instead, he found himself drawn to the nearby park where he spent his evenings playing baseball and where Bell initially showcased his prowess as a left-handed pitcher.

A studio Portrait photo of Cool Papa Bell in his baseball uniform with the Compton Hill cubs — Compton Hills Cubs – c. 1920

In 1922, he contemplated leaving baseball behind, deeming it opportune to secure stable employment. However, a fortuitous opportunity presented itself when the East St. Louis Cubs sought his pitching prowess for a crucial encounter against the renowned St. Louis Stars of the Negro League. Reluctantly agreeing to participate in what he believed would be his final game, he emerged victorious against the formidable Stars.

Subsequently, enticed by a lucrative offer extended by the Stars and despite the apprehensions of his mother and sister, Bell boldly embarked on his professional journey in the Negro Leagues. He donned the jersey of the St. Louis Stars and opted to prolong his tenure in baseball.

Recognizing his multifaceted talents, particularly his exceptional speed and throwing ability, the Stars transitioned him from pitching duties to the outfield. While he initially favored a right-handed batting stance, he adeptly embraced the art of switch-hitting, a testament to his versatility and adaptability on the diamond.

Cool Papa Bell standing second row center, a series of advertisements standing in the background

During his tenure with the St. Louis Stars, Bell earned the moniker “Cool Papa” a title that would become synonymous with his legend. His teammates bestowed the nickname in recognition of his unflappable composure on the field, effortlessly striking out opponents without a hint of nervousness. The nickname evolved into the slightly more elaborate “Cool Papa.” With its distinctive cadence, “Cool Papa” encapsulated Bell’s charisma and skill, forever cementing his place in baseball lore.

Cool Papa Bell sitting in the middle seated in a team photo with St. Louis written across his jersey in blue

Initially, Bell’s role in the outfield was sporadic, with fleeting appearances marking his early days on the diamond. However, by 1924, spurred on by the encouragement of manager Bill Gatewood, Bell embarked on a concerted effort to refine his defensive capabilities, leading to a more prominent presence in the outfield.

As his outfield duties expanded, Bell made a definitive shift away from pitching, establishing himself as a fixture in center field. Prior to his outfield tenure, Bell exhibited a right-handed batting stance paired with a left-handed throwing arm. However, his transition to outfield prominence was facilitated by his adoption of switch-hitting. This strategic adjustment not only diversified his offensive capabilities but also accentuated his base-running prowess. When batting from the left side, Bell’s proximity to first base was enhanced, compounding the challenges for opposing defenses.

Cool Papa Bell standing in St. Louis Stars uniform front of a chicken wire backstop

Renowned for his unparalleled fleetness of foot, Bell’s sprint around the bases was a sight to behold, clocking in at a staggering twelve seconds. His secret, he divulged, lay in executing a tight circle around the bases and strategically touching each base with his left foot, enabling optimal propulsion. This ingenious technique afforded Bell the ability to achieve feats deemed impossible by many. With lightning speed, he could swipe two bases on a single pitch, seamlessly maneuver from first to third base on a bunt, and even dash home from second base on a sacrifice fly ball.

Segregation barred Cool Papa Bell from ascending to the heights of Major League Baseball, but it didn’t entirely thwart his encounters with major leaguers. During the 1930s and 1940s, He toured with Black all-star teams engaged in competition against White all-star teams during winter barnstorming tours.

Cool Papa Bell from the shoulder up looking off into the distance with a blue ball cap on

Bell faced formidable opponents including future Hall-of-Famers such as another St. Louisan in Dizzy Dean, and Bob Feller. Despite the systemic barriers imposed by segregation, Bell’s talents shone brightly during these tours, serving as a testament to his skill.

Although detailed records of his accomplishments are scarce, historical accounts attest to his consistent success at the plate. Throughout his tenure in the Negro Leagues, Bell maintained an impressive batting average, never falling below .300 in any season. His remarkable consistency culminated in a lifetime batting average of .341. Bell’s exceptional speed on the base paths transformed double bouncing infield hits not singles, routine singles into exhilarating doubles and doubles into exasperating triples.

Following his playing and managerial career, Bell returned to St. Louis in the 1950s. For the subsequent two decades, Bell assumed the role of a night watchman at St. Louis City Hall.

In 1974, Cool Papa Bell achieved a momentous milestone as he became the fifth player from the Negro Leagues to be enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Despite the trials and tribulations of segregation, Bell graciously attended the annual induction ceremonies, where he was met with thunderous ovations. Bell expressed tremendous honor in his election but said it paled in comparison to the breaking of the color barrier in Major League Baseball.

1974 Induction Class *l to r* Mantle, Ford, Bell, and Conlan

Throughout his later years, Bell found solace in the familiar embrace of his St. Louis community. Residing in a weathered, red-brick apartment nestled within a neighborhood characterized by vacant lots and boarded-up storefronts.