Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, March 8, 1991 TAG: 9103080738
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: ST. LOUIS LENGTH: Short
Bell, slowed in his later years and blind in one eye because of glaucoma, was rumored to be the highest-paid player in the Negro Leagues with a top salary of $90 a month. Barnstorming across the country, he played two and sometimes three times a day for 29 summer seasons and 21 winter seasons.
He batted .407 in 1946, his final season. But he was denied access to the major leagues, retiring a year before Jackie Robinson became the first black player in this century.
Bell was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974. His plaque reads: "Combined speed, daring and batting skill to rank among best players in Negro Leagues. Contemporaries rated him fastest man on base paths."
After his baseball career was over, for 21 years he was a custodian and night watchman. But his north St. Louis address - 3034 Cool Papa Bell Avenue - was a constant reminder that he was somebody special.
"It was good times," Bell said of his career. "I just played for the love of the game. I didn't intend to play that long, it just happened."
Bell was 16 when his career began in 1919. It was said he could circle the bases in 13 seconds.
Keywords:
NEWS OBIT
by CNB