James Cool Papa Bell Negro League Baseball Autographed HOF Plaque Postcard PSA

Description: You are bidding on an autographed Plaque Postcard signed by baseball HOFer Cool Papa Bell, includes PSA COA........Note that items with COAs come with individual COAs, sticker usually on back of item. I do not accept "Best Offer". Prices are reduced every 30 days until the item sells. Thanks for understanding this policy! POSTAGE: $5 first item; 50 cents ea additional lot Bell joined the St. Louis Stars of the Negro National League (NNL) as a pitcher in 1922. Bell earned his nickname in his first Negro league season; he was referred to as "Cool" after striking out standout player Oscar Charleston and added "Papa" to the nickname because it sounded better.[3] At first, Bell made only occasional appearances in the outfield. By 1924, at the urging of manager Bill Gatewood, Bell began working on his defensive skills and appearing more in the outfield.[4] And some sources say that it was Gatewood who first gave Bell his nickname.[5]Bell ultimately made a permanent move to center field and stopped pitching. Before becoming an outfielder, Bell batted right-handed and threw left-handed. His transition to the outfield was aided by learning to bat as a switch hitter. When he batted left-handed, his baserunning speed was even more trouble for opponents because he was a couple of steps closer to first base. Biographer Shaun McCormack points out that Bell did not have a strong throwing arm. However, Bell's speed allowed him to play very shallow in the outfield and to still catch balls that were hit behind him.[6]Pitchers tried to avoid issuing walks to Bell, because he was often able to steal both second base and third base, scoring a run on the next play. Bell could also sometimes score a run if he was on first base and the batter got a base hit.[7] Bell described the style of play on the occasions when the Negro league players faced white teams in exhibitions: "We played a different kind of baseball than the white teams. We played tricky baseball. We did things they didn't expect. We'd bunt and run in the first inning. Then when they would come in for a bunt we'd hit away. We always crossed them up. We'd run the bases hard and make the fielders throw too quick and make wild throws. We'd fake a steal home and rattle the pitcher into a balk."[8]Bell led the Stars to league titles in 1928, 1930, and 1931. While with the Stars, he played alongside close friend and shortstop Willie Wells and first baseman Mule Suttles.[9] He moved to the Detroit Wolves of the East-West League when the NNL disbanded. The Wolves were owned by former Negro league star Cumberland Posey and they jumped to a first-place lead with a 29–13 win–loss record before the league disbanded. Attendance figures had remained too low in the wake of the Great Depression.[10]Bell bounced to the Kansas City Monarchs and the Mexican winter leagues until finding a home with the Pittsburgh Crawfords in the reorganized NNL. In Pittsburgh, he played with Ted Page and Jimmie Crutchfield to form what is considered by many to have been the best outfield in the Negro leagues. On the 1936 Crawfords team, Bell was one of six players who were subsequently inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.[ I...... Shipping and Packaging details: I ship everything with cardboard backing. Additionally, I slip all autographed photos inside sturdy photo-protective sleeves. Payment details: Typically, I ship paypal payments right away. PAYPAL is recommended. International shipping will be higher as all international orders go through the Global Shipping program. How I obtained my autographs, and why I promise a FULL MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE: As a kid, from roughly the years 1965 to 1973, and later from 1974-the present, I have amassed an enormous collection of autographed sports and celebrity memorabilia. In most cases, using Jack Smalling's baseball address lists and other assorted address lists, I wrote to both active and retired baseball players, sending them letters, requests for signatures, and self-addressed-stamped envelopes. This is how I obtained thousands of autographs. I also obtained many autographs in person at area parks and hotels.In the 1980's and 1990's, I travelled the country doing shows (20 National Conventions) and would buy quantities of autographs through player signings. I have every reason to believe that all of the autographs I'm selling are absolutely authentic. I stand by every item I sell. Upon purchasing an item from me through eBay, you may return that item, in the condition in which I shipped it to you, within 14 days of receipt of that item if you are not satisfied with the item. I am selling each item "as is", per the guarantee I've promised above. All the old time autograph dealers know me and the professional authenticators will vouch for my reputation as well. I do this on a part time basis, so sometimes emails take a day. I have worked hard for my feedback rating. The last thing I want to do is damage my credibility, so if you have legitimate concerns about any item you win from me on eBay, I'll make every effort to remedy the situation to your satisfaction. PLEASE NOTE: Most items come with certificates of authenticity from outside companies (JSA and PSA predominantly; they are the best). I have spent lots of money with third party authenticators and have had very few come back without passing. Sincerely, Joe Binder , Downers Grove, Illinois

Price: 53.99 USD

Location: Downers Grove, Illinois

End Time: 2025-01-01T08:00:01.000Z

Shipping Cost: 5.5 USD