Black History Month Profile: Jackie Robinson and James "Cool Papa" Bell...

Jackie Robinson

As well know, Jackie Robinson was the first African-American to play in the major leagues in 1947 when he signed a contract to play with the Brooklyn Dodgers. His decision to play at the highest level in a time where many African-American were not afforded the right to attend schools, dine, ride or live side by with whites had a small part ushering a change in the United States of America.

He helped not only sports integrate with his courage and willingness to play in such a turbulent time, but in all society as well. The world was not made perfect, but better with Jackie in the game of baseball.

He was a part of 6 World Series teams, and won the Rookie of the Year, and an MVP Award. However, it’s his greater impact that matters.

Even though he wanted to fight at the ugliness on the field and around him, he didn’t knowing that he’d hold back progress. In the end, if it was not for Jackie Robinson, we may not have not seen Satchel Paige, Larry Doby, Frank Robinson, Hank Aaron or the other African-American players suit up and play ball for a while after 1947, if not even longer.

He was a fine athlete, but even a finer human being and it’s a shame he to go so early.


James "Cool Papa" Bell

James “Cool Papa” Bell, in the folklore of baseball history is known as one of the fastest players ever to run the base paths. Born in 1905, his 20 year Negro League baseball career, he became popular for the ability to use his speed to stretch a single into a double, doubles into triples, and bunts into hits. As well, his speed made him quite an amazing outfielder who was able to make incredible plays from pitcher’s mistakes and hard hit balls that would otherwise be hits.

His lifetime batting average in the Negro League is .341, and his lithe physique changed baseball for the better by using speed and intuition to enhance the game in the early 20th century. Although a lot of his stories are stuff of legend, his speed and bases running ability were documented as being very real.

He played for the St. Louis Stars, Pittsburgh Crawfords and the Homestead Grays, and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.