James Thomas "Cool Papa" Bell was an Negro League baseball player who is widely regarded as one of the fastest players to ever play the game. Born in Starkville, Mississippi, Bell began his baseball career in the Negro Leagues in 1922, playing for various teams throughout his career.

Over the course of his career, Bell became known for his incredible speed, which earned him his famous nickname, "Cool Papa". He was said to be able to run the 100-yard dash in 9.5 seconds and was rumored to have once stolen second base and then third base on consecutive pitches.

Bell's most successful years came in the 1930s when he played for the St. Louis Stars. He was a five-time All-Star and helped lead the Stars to three pennants. In addition to his speed, Bell was also an excellent hitter, batting .337 over the course of his career.

Despite his impressive skills, Bell never had the opportunity to play in Major League Baseball due to the color barrier that existed at the time. However, he did play in exhibition games against Major League teams, and his speed and skill on the field earned him the respect of many white players.

After retiring from baseball in 1950, Bell remained involved in the game, coaching and scouting for various teams. In 1974, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, cementing his place as one of the greatest players to ever play the game.

Overall, Cool Papa Bell's speed and skill on the baseball field made him one of the most exciting players to watch during the era of the Negro Leagues, and his legacy as one of the game's greats lives on to this day.

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