Sports History

Born May 17, 1903, in Starkville, Missouri was BAseball Hall of Fame Center Fielder and Pitcher James Thomas "Cool Papa" Bell. Cool Papa played in Negro league baseball from 1922 to 1946. He is considered to have been one of the fastest men ever to play the game, and the legend of his speed still is remembered to the modern day. His pro ball debut was with 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. He also played on the Detroit Wolves (1932), Kansas City Monarchs (1932–1934), Santo Domingo (1937), Homestead Grays (1932, 1943–1946), Pittsburgh Crawfords (1933–1938), Alijadores de Tampico (1938–1939), Algodoneros de Unión Laguna (1940), Rojos del Águila de Veracruz (1940), Sultanes de Monterrey (1941), Memphis Red Sox (1942), Chicago American Giants (1942). Bell's career highlights and awards include: 2-time Negro World Series champ (1943, 1944), 8-time All-Star (1933–1936, 1942 (2)-1944), and a Lifetime batting average: .337 (Negro leagues). He was placedinto the Washington Nationals Ring of Honor.

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Joe Morgan Bio on SABR. Born September 19, 1943, in Bonham, Texas, was Baseball Hall of Fame Second Baseman, Joe Morgan. Morgan also played a little bit of Left Fielder, Third Baseman, and Center Field wearing the number 8 on the Cincinnati Reds (1972-79), Houston Astros (1980), San Francisco Giants (1981-82), Philadelphia Phillies (1983), and Oakland Athletics (1984) for 13 seasons as he batted 0.271 for his career, had an On Base percentage of 0.427, with 268 career Home Runs, and 5 Gold Glove Awarded Seasons. Morgan is one of the top MLB players to have worn Jersey Number 12. He is also top MLB players to have worn Jersey Number 10.

Eppa Rixey, a name that resonates with a bygone era of baseball, was a southpaw pitcher whose career defied easy categorization. He wasn't a dominant strikeout artist, nor did he boast an otherworldly ERA. Yet, for over two decades, Rixey carved out a niche as a reliable workhorse, leaving an undeniable mark on the National League (NL).

-Early Struggles and Southern Charm (1912-1919)

Born in Virginia in 1891, Rixey entered the major leagues with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1912. His early years were a rollercoaster of inconsistency. While flashes of brilliance hinted at his potential, control problems hampered his progress. Earning the nickname "Jephtha" for his Southern drawl (likely invented by a sportswriter), Rixey charmed teammates and fans alike with his dry wit and amiable personality.

-Finding His Groove with the Reds (1920-1933)

A trade to the Cincinnati Reds in 1920 proved to be a turning point. Under the tutelage of manager Pat Moran, Rixey finally harnessed his wild talent. His control improved, and his durability became legendary. From 1920 to 1925, Rixey racked up over 100 wins, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the NL.

-A Model of Consistency and Longevity (1933-1945)

While his peak years were behind him, Rixey continued to pitch effectively into his 40s. He holds the record for most seasons pitched by a left-hander in NL history (18) and the most games started by a Reds left-hander (434). Even in his twilight years, Rixey remained valuable, providing veteran leadership and mentoring younger pitchers.

-A Legacy Etched in Baseball History

Despite never winning a World Series or achieving individual accolades, Rixey's impact goes beyond statistics. He finished his career with 266 wins, the most by a left-handed pitcher in NL history until 1959. Although overshadowed by flashier contemporaries, Rixey's longevity and consistency made him a respected figure in the baseball world.

-A Controversial Legacy, Yet an Enduring Figure

Eppa Rixey's legacy isn't without controversy. His high win total came alongside a hefty number of losses (251), leading some to question his true value. However, his contributions transcended win-loss records. He was a durable workhorse, a clubhouse leader, and a testament to the value of experience and grit.

Eppa Rixey's story reminds us that greatness in baseball can manifest in diverse ways. He may not have been the flashiest pitcher, but his dedication, longevity, and impact on the Reds organization solidify his place among the legends of the National League.

-Who was Eppa Rixey

Born May 3, 1891, in Culpeper, was Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher Eppa Rixey. After graduating in 1912 with a degree in chemistry from the University of Virginia, Eppa found his way to the big leagues of baseball. The left-hander was brought up to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1912 without ever having spent any time in the minor leagues. Rixey played 21 seasons for the Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds in Major League Baseball from 1912 to 1933. The Southpaw won 20 or more games in a season three times, including a league-leading 25 in 1922, and posted eight consecutive winning seasons. MLB Jersey 18.

Dazzy Vance, born Leroy Robert (Dazzy) Vance in 1900, was more than just a nickname for this legendary pitcher. He embodied the very essence of the word, dazzling hitters with his unorthodox delivery and virtually unhittable curveball. His career, from 1922 to 1935, was a testament to his exceptional talent and enduring legacy in baseball.

Vance's journey began in Oklahoma, where he honed his skills on local sandlots. His unorthodox pitching style, characterized by a high leg kick and exaggerated windup, initially drew skepticism. However, his mesmerizing curveball, described as having a "late break" and "hypnotic movement," quickly silenced the doubters.

He made his major league debut with the Brooklyn Robins (later the Dodgers) in 1922, showcasing his dominance. He led the league in strikeouts four times and won 20 or more games in six seasons, establishing himself as one of the most feared pitchers in the National League.

Vance's peak came with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he formed a formidable pitching duo with the legendary "Red" Faber. Together, they led the Pirates to two World Series appearances in 1925 and 1927, with Vance playing a pivotal role in their 1925 championship victory.

Beyond his statistics, Vance captivated fans with his unique personality. He was known for his quick wit and humor, often engaging in playful banter with teammates and reporters. His unorthodox delivery and captivating personality made him a true showman on the mound, further solidifying his place in baseball lore.

However, Vance's career was tragically cut short by injuries. After a shoulder injury sidelined him in 1935, he was forced to retire at 35. Despite his relatively short career, Vance left an undeniable mark on the game. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1949, a testament to his exceptional talent and impact on baseball history.

Dazzy Vance's legacy extends beyond his pitching prowess. He is remembered for his captivating personality, relentless competitive spirit, and influence on future generations of pitchers who sought to emulate his devastating curveball.

Born May 3, 1905, in Granville, Illinois, was Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher Red Ruffing. Ruffing played for the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Chicago White Sox.

Ruffing was not on the mound in Boston, suffering through an agonizing record of 39-96 in Beantown. The Red Sox traded struggling pitcher to the rival New York Yankees, where the hurler turned things around in his career pitching as the Yankees' ace through 1946.

Ruffing is most remembered for his time with the highly successful Yankees teams just before World War II. Red was a member of six World Series championship teams with the Yankees. He also appeared in six MLB All-Star Games and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1967.

The Yankees dedicated a plaque to Ruffing in Monument Park in 2004. MLB Jersey 15. MLB Jersey 21. MLB Jersey 18. MLB Jersey 22. MLB Jersey Number 34.

Jesse "Pop" Haines wasn't your typical baseball star. A late bloomer who debuted at 26, Haines carved out a remarkable 18-year career, all but one season spent with the St. Louis Cardinals. Nicknamed for his booming voice, Haines' legacy is built on durability, a fiery competitiveness, and a devastating knuckleball.

Haines' journey to St. Louis was unconventional. After years toiling in the minors, he finally got his shot in 1918, only to struggle initially. However, he honed a knuckleball, a pitch known for its unpredictable movement, and in 1920, he became a fixture in the Cardinals' rotation. Despite a losing record that season, Haines' low earned run average hinted at the talent he possessed.

Haines blossomed in the 1920s, becoming a workhorse for the Cardinals. He led the National League in appearances one year and pitched over 300 innings another. His fiery on-field demeanor contrasted with his gentle personality off the field, creating a unique aura around the pitcher.

1924 saw Haines' defining moment – a no-hitter against the Boston Braves, a feat unmatched by a St. Louis pitcher at home for over half a century. He also played a pivotal role in the Cardinals' World Series victories, winning two games in the 1926 championship run.

Haines' longevity was remarkable. He remained a force even in his late 30s, reaching the 20-win mark three times. Though his fastball waned, his ever-evolving knuckleball kept him competitive. He retired in 1937 at the age of 44, the oldest active player in the majors at the time.

Born July 22, 1893, in Clayton, Ohio, was Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher Jesse Haines. A World Series Champion in 1926, 31, and 34.

Jesse pitched no-hitter 1924 as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals. Earlier in his career he had a brief stint with the Cincinnati Reds and a few more years in the minor leagues before becoming a Cardinal. Retiring in 1937 with a 210–158 win–loss record, Haines was a coach with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1938.