Hearing From Cool Papa

I love running into vintage letters written by a favorite ballplayer; especially letters written to a eager fan. Often, there are notes about greatest moments or details about a career usually forgotten. Here, we have a great letter from a recently closed Clean Sweep Auction written by Negro Leaguer "Cool Papa" Bell to a fan. It's a fun read and certainly keeps you wanting more. Check it out below.

Mr. John J. Smith

Just a note to say, I cannot answer all of the things you asked me.
1922 I pitch 2 years for the St. Louis Stars and played, played outfield 8 years and the league folded. I played 29 summer season and 21 winter seasons.
Played with many teams owned by the same owner, that's why I cannot explain to you.
No one can tell you is or was the greatest ball player. I have many of thrills in Baseball, If I get in the Hall of Fame I will tell the greatest thrill I had in Baseball.
Sincerely,

James "Cool Papa" Bell

Unfortunately, "Cool Papa" never had the chance to share that greatest thrill moment at the steps of Cooperstown. Check out his letter below.

(click to enlarge)

(Auction Link)

Blog Kiosk: 2/11/2011

• Here is a great photo from USCLibraries, via their twitpic, showing the Dodgers making their Los Angeles debut on Feb 9, 1958. It was for a Baseball clinic at, presumably, old Wrigley Field in LA. The home plate is from Ebbets Field. Can you name the players below? Click on the pic to enlarge.
• Via Vin Scully is My Homeboy, please check out a raffle at AJ's BBQ Pit in East Los Angeles that will benefit the City of Hope Cancer Research Center. You can win the below great prize at just $5 a ticket. Raffle ends April 9th.
• Welcome Joe Block as the new co-host to Dodger Talk this season with Joe Suchon, via KABC. Send a personal note to him, via twitter. And here is his website. Then, go to Kevin Levine's blog where he announced his leaving of the show to send your well wishes, here.
  
• Check out GCRL's fantasy Mario Soto Dodger card.
• Here's a new Dodger blog called True to the Blue.
  
• Check out this awesome homemade built to scale model of Ebbets Field at Vin Scully Is My Homeboy. The detail is amazing.
• Check out Opinion of Kingman's Performance story about his visit to Brooklyn.
  
• This is hilariously awesome. My inner 12 year old came out while watching this.

YouTube Link: