Cool Papa Bell
- Limited Edition. Edition size 1000 pieces (standard limited edition) and 100 pieces (artist proof)
- Offset Lithograph
- Ships signed and numbered and with a certificate of authenticity from the artist.
- A tribute to James "Cool Papa" Bell
- From Kadir Nelson's Negro Baseball League collection.
"They used to say, 'If we find a good black player, we'll sign him.' They was lying." - James "Cool Papa" Bell
James "Cool Papa" Bell, a legendary figure in Negro League baseball history, was known for his electrifying speed and remarkable skills on the field. His ability to round the bases in mere seconds earned him a reputation as one of the fastest players to have ever graced the diamond.
As fellow Negro League player Buck O'Neil exclaimed, "Cool Papa was so fast, he could turn off the lights and be in bed before the room got dark." Bell's agility and agility were equally matched by his hitting prowess, with Satchel Paige remarking, "He could hit a ball, then run and get under it himself." Bell's impact on the game extended beyond his athletic talents; his presence inspired countless aspiring players and left an indelible mark on the history of baseball.
Bell hailed from Starkville, Mississippi. Born on May 17, 1903, Bell grew up during a time of racial segregation and social challenges. Despite the adversity, he exhibited a natural affinity for baseball from a young age and honed his skills playing on makeshift fields and local teams. Bell's exceptional speed, often attributed to his rural upbringing, caught the attention of scouts and fellow players alike.
His journey eventually led him to the Negro Leagues, where he joined the St. Louis Stars and other teams.
This limited edition lithograph is printed on 120lb. Acid-Free Stock and measures 18x36 inches (image size) and 21x38.75 (paper size). Ships signed and numbered and with a certificate of authenticity from the artist.
Limited Edition: 1000pcs (Edition Size) - $150.00 (Price)
Artist Proof: 100pcs (Edition Size) - $325.00 (Price)
| Cert. Of Authenticity | Ships with a certificate of authenticity from the artist. |
| Collection | Negro League Baseball Collection |
| Edition | Limited Edition |
| Edition Size | See Product Description |
| Framed | Unframed |
| Height | 18 inches |
| Length | 36 inches |
| Medium | Paper |
| Signed | Ships signed and numbered by the artist |
| SKU | kane125 |
Kadir Nelson
Kadir Nelson began drawing at the age of three, displaying artistic acumen before he could write or spell. “I have always been an artist,” Nelson explains. “It’s part of my DNA.” At age eleven, Kadir Nelson was apprenticed by his uncle Michael Morris, an artist and art instructor. “My uncle gave me my foundation in art,” says the artist. Kadir Nelson experimented with several different media and later began painting in oils at the age of sixteen under the encouragement and tutelage of both his uncle and high school art teacher. He began entering his paintings in art competitions and ultimately won an art scholarship to study at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. Upon graduating with honors, Kadir Nelson began his professional career as an artist, publishing his work and receiving commissions from publishers and production studios such as Dreamworks, Sports Illustrated, Coca-Cola, The New York Times and Major League Baseball, among others.Most in stock items ship in 0 to 5 business depending upon the shipping method selected during checkout. Large framed artwork requires an additional 1 to 5 days of processing time to allow for framing. All orders over $250 ship signature required. Pre-Orders, identified by a “Reserve Now” checkout button, can take 3 to 14 business days to process and ship. If there is an issue with your order we will notify you with 1 to 2 business days. For additional information please visit our: Shipping Policy
