I'm running a little auction of a half dozen Cuban cards of Negro League players over on my Facebook group, Vintage Baseball Cards. Pepper Bassett, Barney Serrell, several cool names. Prices currently $25-$100 or so! Join the group if needed and then just search for me! Matt Felumlee. I'll try to link directly to the sale in the comments.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/vintagebbcards

This bad boy arrived today, courtesy of Clean Sweep Auctions (whose prices are always reasonable, in my experience). I love this piece because it is from Satchel's epic 1948 season with the Indians, and it is way more affordable than the '49 Bowman...

This bad boy arrived today, courtesy of Clean Sweep Auctions (whose prices are always reasonable, in my experience). I love this piece because it is from Satchel's epic 1948 season with the Indians, and it is way more affordable than the '49 Bowman...

Just picked up this nice 1953 Bowman Color Harry "Suitcase" Simpson. His career began in the Negro National League with the Philadelphia Stars before debuting with the Cleveland Indians in 1951. Harry spent parts of four seasons with Cleveland before being purchased by the Kansas City Athletics in 1955, where he had his most productive years. He also had short stints with the Yankees, White Sox, and Pirates before retiring after the 1959 season.

The nickname "Suitcase" actually came from Cleveland sportswriters based on a character in the Toonerville Folks comic strip rather than his many travels among teams during his career. Author Robert Parker also included a character named "Suitcase" Simpson in his Jesse Stone book series (I highly recommend anything by Robert B. Parker!). Definitely one of my favorite players!!

🚀 Legendary Speed (Perhaps the Fastest Ever)

• Widely considered the fastest man ever to play baseball.

• Famously said to be so fast he could turn off the light switch and be in bed before the room got dark.

• Consistently stole 100+ bases per season in league and barnstorming play.

• Known for stealing second, third, and home — in succession — during one at-bat.

🏆 Team Success & Championships

• Star player for multiple Negro League powerhouses:
  

  • St. Louis Stars

  • Kansas City Monarchs

  • Chicago American Giants

  • Homestead Grays

• Won multiple Negro League pennants and championships, especially with the St. Louis Stars (late 1920s).

• Key contributor to dynastic teams featuring other legends like Satchel Paige, Mule Suttles, and Buck Leonard.

🏏 Elite All-Around Player

• Career batting average: Often cited around .325–.350.

• Switch hitter with excellent contact skills.

• Elite center fielder — incredible range, strong instincts.

• Known for exceptional baseball IQ and leadership.

🌎 International Stardom

• Played extensively in Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.

• Became a huge star in Latin America, particularly in Mexico.

• Helped raise the level of international professional baseball.

🧠 Pioneer & Mentor

• Later became a manager and scout.

• Mentored future MLB players and Negro League stars.

• Served as a baseball ambassador internationally.

🏛 Hall of Fame

• Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.

• Recognized not only for talent but also for transformational impact on the game.

🏆 Why He Matters Historically

Cool Papa Bell is often mentioned alongside:

• Ty Cobb (hitting)

• Rickey Henderson (speed)

• Willie Mays (five-tool excellence)

Many historians argue Bell would have been a first-ballot Hall of Famer in MLB if not for segregation.