Fred Bell (baseball) facts for kids

Fred "Lefty" Bell was an American baseball pitcher who played in the Negro leagues. He was born on March 19, 1902, in Starkville, Mississippi, and passed away on October 11, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan. Fred Bell was also the brother of the famous baseball player, Cool Papa Bell.

Playing Baseball

Fred Bell was known as "Lefty" because he threw the baseball with his left hand. He played as a pitcher, which is the player who throws the ball from the mound to the batter. His career in the Negro leagues spanned several years, from 1923 to 1927, and he made a return in 1932.

What Were the Negro Leagues?

During Fred Bell's time, baseball in America was segregated. This meant that African American players were not allowed to play in the major leagues with white players. Because of this, they formed their own professional baseball organizations, known as the Negro leagues. These leagues were full of incredibly talented players, many of whom are now recognized as some of the best in baseball history.

Teams Fred Bell Played For

Fred Bell played for several different teams during his time in the Negro leagues. He started his career in 1923 with the St. Louis Stars. In that same year, he also played for the Toledo Tigers.

Over the next few years, he moved between teams. In 1924, he played for the St. Louis Giants, the Harrisburg Giants, and the Washington Potomacs. From 1925 to 1927, he was a pitcher for the Detroit Stars. After a break, he played his final season in 1932 with the Montgomery Grey Sox.

Family Connections

Fred Bell's brother, Cool Papa Bell, was one of the most famous and fastest players in the Negro leagues. He is now a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. While Fred Bell's career was shorter, he was still a part of the rich history of baseball during a challenging but important time for the sport.