Nickname of the Week: James 'Cool Papa' Bell

Baseball has a long history of hilarious, ironic and irreverent nicknames. During the offseason, we'll be exploring the best of these monikers on a weekly basis. This week, we take a look at "Cool Papa" Bell.

Hall of Famer James "Cool Papa" Bell played from 1922-1950 in the Negro Leagues, splitting time with more than seven different teams. His "Cool" moniker was said to come from a time when the youngster struck out Negro Leagues superstar Oscar Charleston, while the "Papa" part referred to his maturity on the diamond. But, we also have to believe that the nickname had a lot to do with the pitcher-turned-center-fielder's legendary speed.

The 11-time All-Star was said to have have once scored from first on a sacrifice bunt and would routinely stretch infield grounders into doubles and triples. He could circle all four bases in an astonishing 12 seconds. 

Teammate James Crutchfield said Bell was so fast that one time "he hit a ground ball right past the pitcher and that ball hit him as he slid into second base." 

Satchel Paige, who played with Bell and shared living quarters with the outfielder while on the Pittsburgh Crawfords,  probably told one of the more famous Cool Papa tales. Paige recalled his friend switching off the light in the room and getting under the covers before it got dark. 

If that's not cool, I don't know what is.

-- Matt Monagan / MLB.com 

Previously on Nickname of the Week: Rich Garces, "El Guapo."