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February 13
February 13 Cool Papa Bell goes to Cooperstown
February 13, 1974 Cool Papa Bell goes to Cooperstown joining Josh Gibson and Buck Leonard as just the third man to play exclusively in Negro Leagues to be inducted.
Bell played center fielder and knuckleball pitcher in Negro leagues and the Mexican League from 1922 to 1946. He is considered to have been one of the fastest men ever to play the game. He played a shallow outfield to make up for his arm, but his speed allowed him to catch nearly anything deep. He was also known to score from first on a single. During the interview, Bell tells the story of why he could get into bed before the light went out. Satchel Paige said it was his blinding speed.
Bell won three titles with the St Louis Stars, and two more with the Homestead Grays. He hit .325 over 21 Negro League Seasons, and lead the league in steals 7 times.
During an interview Bell announced his “all time team” these are players he played with or against.
Outfield – Turkey Stearnes, Monte Irvin, and Rap DixonAround the Horn – Judy Johnson (3b), Willie Wells (SS), Sammy Hughes (2b), Oscar Charleston (1b)Battery – Theodore Trent (RH), Willie Foster (LH) and Riley Macket (c)
Bell played for several teams over his career, but when he played for the Pittsburgh Crawfords, 5 other teammates along with Bell will eventually be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
In the Mexican League Bell dominated even more, he became the first player in Cuban League history to hit three homeruns in one game (all inside the park) and in 1940 Bell became the first Mexican League player to win the Triple Crown, leading the league with a .437 batting average, 12 home runs, and 79 runs batted in. Veracruz won the pennant that year. He spent his last Mexican League His career Mexican League batting average was .367
During the barnstorming games white the MLB players Bell hit .391 in over 100 exhibitions. As the story goes when he was on first, Satchel Paige tried to bunt him over to second, By the time the ball reached Paige, Bell was almost to second and seeing the third baseman had broken towards home to field the bunt, rounded the bag. The catcher, Roy Partee of the Boston Red Sox, ran to third to cover the bag and an anticipated return throw from first. To his surprise, Bell rounded third and brushed by him on the way home; pitcher Murry Dickson of the St. Louis Cardinals had not thought to cover home with the catcher moving up the line, and Bell scored standing up
His greatness was well known as he ranked 66th on a list of the greatest baseball players published by The Sporting News in 1999.
Teammate Ted Page commented on the clean off-the-field lifestyle that Bell lived. He said that Bell was "an even better man off the field than he was on it. He was honest. He was kind. He was a clean liver. In fact, in all of the years I've known him, I've never seen him smoke, take a drink or even say one cuss word."
I really enjoyed listen to him talk about Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, Education and how he was able to turn a light off and get into bed before the light went out.
I hope you do as well.
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Trivia:
Who was the first free agent signed by the Milwaukee Brewers?
A. Ben Oglivie
B. Cecil Cooper
C. Sal Bando
D. Ted Simmons
Hint: The answer is below
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February 13, 1883 in Los Gatos, CA, Hal Chase among the most unsavory characters in the history of the game during baseballs often rough-and-tumble Deadball Era. Chase was an oddly charismatic star. Hal Chase was both acclaimed as the finest defensive first baseman of his time, and simultaneously accused of countless instances of throwing games.
February 13, 1944 Sal Bando was born in Cleveland, OH. His best season was in 1969 when he had 31 HR, 113 RBI, 111 BB, .281 BA, .400 OBP, & .885 OPS. Bando was a 4X All-Star and a key member of 3 World Series champions (1972-74 Oakland A’s). He also finished in the top 4 of the AL MVP voting 3X (1971, 1973-74).
February 13 1953 — The Philadelphia Athletics change the name of Shibe Park to “Connie Mack Stadium”, in honor of their longtime owner and manager.
February 13 1964 — Chicago Cubs second baseman Ken Hubbs, named National League Rookie of the Year in 1962, dies in Provo, Utah at age 22, when the plane that he is piloting crashes.
February 13 1974 — James (Cool Papa) Bell is elected to the Hall of Fame by the Special Committee on the Negro Leagues.
Among the most illustrious players in Negro league baseball history, James Cool Papa Bell was noted for his incredible speed on the basepaths, excellence as a leadoff hitter and his superb defensive play as a center fielder. He began his career as a pitcher, but his other talents ensured his future as an everyday player. Bell’s career lasted 20 years with teams such as the St. Louis Stars, Pittsburgh Crawfords and the Homestead Grays.
Bell joins Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, Buck Leonard and Monte Irvin, as Negro Leagues greats selected to the Hall.
February 13 1996 — The St. Louis Cardinals complete a long-rumored swap, acquiring closer Dennis Eckersley from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for minor league reliever Steve Montgomery. Eckersley replaces Tom Henke, who announced last month he was retiring. The Cardinals also announce that they are laying nearly three acres of grass over the field at Busch Stadium, replacing the artificial turf that has been used for 26 years. The grass turf will be ready for the April 8th opener against Montreal.
Quote of the day:
"One time he hit a line drive right past my ear. I turned around and saw the ball hit his ass sliding into second."
Hall of Famer - Satchel Paige about Bell
MILESTONES
Birthday Boys!
Sal Bando, Dick Hughes and Pete Castiglione
Passings.
Tito Francona, Ken Hubbs and Nelson Briles
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Trivia Answer: Sal Bando in 1977, he helped the Brewers to there first winning record in 1978 and first playoff appearance in 1981. He also served as the Brewers' general manager from 1991 to 1999.
