James “Cool Papa” Bell’s star rests on the Delmar Loop walk of fame across the street from the Tivoli theater. (Photo: Jennifer Meahan for The Current)

With baseball season just around the corner, thoughts turn to early pioneers of the sport, including to that of infamous James “Cool Papa” Bell.

James Bell was born on May 13, 1903 in Starkville, Mississippi to farmers. Bell came up to St. Louis in 1920 with his brothers due to a lack of education and employment opportunities in Mississippi at the time. He juggled attending school for a couple of years, working at a packing plant and playing baseball with a semi-pro league, the Compton Hills Cubs.

Bell was discovered by the St. Louis Stars, a Negro League Baseball team, in 1922. His paycheck came out to $90 a month. He was signed on to pitch, but forever became infamous for his incredible speed in the game.

In September 1928, “Cool Papa” married Clara Belle Thompson. They had a daughter, Connie, and lived quietly in St. Louis.

James Bell, or “Cool Papa” Bell, has a street named after him between Jefferson and Dr. Martin Luther King Avenue. (Photo: Jennifer Meahan for The Current)

Although he was known for his speed on the playing field, James “Cool Papa” Bell earned his nickname for his pitching. A left-handed pitcher, Bell was noted for having an outstanding curve ball and an even better knuckle ball. As a young player, his teammates expected nervous behavior, especially when he met up with famous Negro League star Oscar Charleston. Charleston was reported for having a mean temper that matched his large size and baseball skills. Wiry Bell faced Charleston as a pitcher, and statements describe Bell as “calmly” and “coolly” striking out the feared opponent. The addition to the name was derived from Bells manager, Bill Gatewood, for his maturity at a young age.

Stories of Bell’s unfathomable speed have been told for decades. While there was truth to the story, tall tales such as “Bell could shut off the light and be in bed before it was dark,” were spread. Bell often played center field, his speed undoubtedly an advantage.

Bell played for the St. Louis Stars for 10 years until the economy demolished the Negro National League. He continued to play for the next 24 years with teams such as the Kansas City Monarchs, Chicago American Giants and the Pittsburgh Crawfords. He also played winter ball in Latin America. He was also the first player in Cuban League history to hit three home runs in one game.

Bell retired his playing days in 1946, but began a new task as manager of a Kansas City farm team. Two years later, he began work in St. Louis City Hall as a custodian and retired 21 years later as a night watchman. Bell was inducted as the fifth Negro League player in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.

Clara Belle Bell died in January 1991 after 62 years of marriage. A month and a half later, James Bell suffered a heart attack and died. The street they lived on was renamed in 1987 in Bell’s honor. “Cool Papa” Bell lies in St. Peters Church cemetery in St. Louis.

Bell left behind a baseball legacy, including the reminder that segregation was an additional struggle in Bells era.

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