Row of houses along James "Cool Papa" Bell Avenue..
Later Life
After Cool Papa Bell's many years of playing and coaching, he moved into an old red brick apartment. He worked as a scout for the St. Louis Cardinals for a total of four years. After that he worked as a security guard and custodian at the St. Louis City Hall until 1970. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974. His Hall of fame plaque states that he was the fastest on the basepaths. Bell was the fifth Negro League player to be inducted into the Hall of fame including, Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, Monte Irvin, and Buck Lenord all who were inducted between the years 1971-1973.
Row of houses along James "Cool Papa" Bell Avenue..
His Death and Legacy
Cool Papa Bell suffered a heart attack and died at St. Louis University Hospital on March 7, 1991. His wife, Clara, died only a few weeks earlier. After his death the people who lived on Dickson Street renamed it to be James "Cool Papa" Bell Avenue. He was also inducted into the St. Louis Walk of Fame. Cool Papa Bell Drive is the road that leads to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum where he is a member. Even the St. Louis Cardinals have recognized him by putting a bronze statue outside of Busch Stadium.
The Statue of Cool Papa Bell outside of Busch Stadium.
This is Cool Papa Bell's funeral card frome his memorial service.