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James “Cool Papa” Bell Autographed Baseball.
Lot 1. James “Cool Papa” Bell Autographed Baseball. Enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1974, Bell starred in the Negro Leagues from 1922-46. Possessing legendary speed, he would have been a star in the major leagues if the door had been open to him. In 54 games from 1928-48 between Negro Leaguers and white barnstorming teams, he batted .378 in 193 at bats with four home runs and 13 stolen bases. “The Sporting News” ranked him 66th on its 1999 list of greatest baseball players. Bell said being inducted into the Hall of Fame was the greatest honor of his life, but his biggest thrill “was when they opened the door in the major leagues for black players.” He died in 1991. His signature, authenticated by Kevin Keating, is ex 5 on an nm-m Wilson Official League ball. The autograph extends for more than four inches, essentially across the sweet spot and east and west panels. It exhibits fading and bleeding without retraces, smudges or other problems. All of the letters are full visible. The signature is so broad that we have provided two photos to show it fully.
Winning Bid $102.
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