Today is the 20th anniversary of the passing of one James Thomas Nichols. Nichols changed his name to Bell at one point in time and then aquired the nickname of "Cool Papa". Cool Papa Bell was one of the fastest baserunners in Negro League baseball. He was born in Mississippi, then moved to Saint Louis, Missouri. He started his career with his hometown Saint Louis Stars in the Negro National League. He would later play with the Pittsburgh Crawfords and the Homestead Grays.
Two of the more well known quotes about him concerned his speed. Satchel Paige said of him "I saw him hit a line drive right passed my ear, the ball hit him in the ass as he was sliding into second". I other was from Josh Gibson, "Cool Papa was some fast he could get out of bed, turn the light out and be back under the covers before the room got dark". That last one was a true story!! One evening Bell discovered when hee truned out the light that their was a delay in the switch. When Gibson returned to the room he was baited by Bell and his brag into a bet. Bell of course won and Gibson enjoyed sharing the story. He would then in 1974 join the storytellers in Cooperstown as Hall of Famers as part of a well deserved honor. He would also log in some time playing in Mexico. Very few of the player sin the old Negro Leagues remain alive today, many of them could still share stories of Bells greatness. Thank You Cool Papa Bell, RIP.
The answer to yesterdays trivia question about the United States Football League champions was the Stars won the other two championships. The Philadelphia Stars lost the championship game in 1983, won the game in 1984 and as the Baltimore Stars won the game in 1985.
Todays trivia question is There are currently two professional lacrosse leagues operating in North America, the National LaCrosse League whose season runs from January to May and Major League LaCrosse whose season runs from May to August. Which league is older? The answer in tomorrows daily blog about the National League reducing to eight clubs in 1900. Have a great week!!
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