Ringing the Bell

Cool Papa Bell

Future Hall of Famer Cool Papa Bell becomes the first player to hit three home runs in a Cuban professional league game 96 years ago today.

Bell, playing then for Cienfuegos, hits his trio of homers during a 15-11 victory over Habana at Cienfuegos’ Aida Park.

The homers come off three fellow Negro League players – Oscar Levis, Cliff Bell and Martin Dihigo, the latter of whom eventually joins Bell in the Hall of Fame.

Bell – being Bell, and that being one of baseball’s fastest players – accomplishes his feat with three homers all of the inside-the-park variety.

Ironically, Bell is not noted for his power during his career, hitting only 57 home runs in 1,202 documented Negro League games from 1922-46.

Of course, Bell may well have more home runs to his credit, but Negro League records are still being updated today as more previously lost box scores are found.

“I remember one game I got five hits and stole five bases,” Bell later says, “but none of it was written down because they didn’t bring the scorebook to the game that day.”