James "Cool Papa" Bell Signed Trio with 8x10 Photograph, Cut & Rube Marquard Handwritten Letter

Lot # 1125: James "Cool Papa" Bell Signed Trio with 8x10 Photograph, Cut & Rube Marquard Handwritten Letter

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Item was in Auction Spring 2026, which ran from Thu, May 14, 2026 12:00 PM to Thu, May 28, 2026 9:59 PM

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$100

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Description

A fascinating selection is showcased, with the presentation of this James "Cool Papa" Bell signed trio. Highly regarded for his proficient hitting and astonishing speed, Bell was one the Negro League's greatest stars. His election to the Hall of Fame in 1974, made him the fifth Negro Leaguer to be so honored. Here we have two items signed by Bell, and also a letter written to him. All three items present handsomely, and the signatures are all bold.

Featured are:

James "Cool Papa" Bell (d.1991) signed 8" x 10" photograph with "H-O-F-1974" inscription.

James "Cool Papa" Bell signed 3" x 5" cut with a handwritten note stating "Dear Sir, My greatest thrill in Baseball was when the Major League opened the door to the Black Ballplayers".

"Rube" Marquard (HOF, d.1980) signed handwritten letter with encouraging content during a period of illness for Bell, that he had heard about from Hall of Fame director Ken Smith. Dated May 22, 1975, this two-page letter also mentions Marquard hearing about New York Yankees coach "Whitey" Ford collapsing in Kansas City after pitching batting practice. Ford recovered and lived until the year 2020. Marquard also talks about his own health and activities, stating at the age of 85, he was hoping to live another ten years. He mentions God will look out for Bell several times and concludes by stating he is looking forward to seeing Bell in Cooperstown, where he intended to introduce their wives to each other. Also present is the original mailing envelope for this letter, with Marquard's handwritten return address, which can be counted as a second signature by him.

Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA.