Willie Wells
Field
Willie Wells went to LC Anderson High School in the 1920s and after decades of pro ball was widely considered by his peers to be the greatest shortstop of all time. Tigers Hall of Fame second baseman Charlie Gehringer called him “the kind of player you always wanted on your team, he played the way all great players play – with everything he had." Late in his career he was credited with teaching Jackie Robinson how to turn a double play. Willie Wells was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997.
I just wanted to be the best...I never wanted to lose.
Willie Wells
Anderson Legend
Baseball Hall of Fame
ABOUT WILLIE WELLS
Wells played in an era where the color of his skin kept him barred from the big leagues, but he starred in the Negro Leagues and Canada – as well as Mexico and Cuba where he played against white major leaguers. It was during his time in Mexico that he was christened with the nickname “El Diablo” – The Devil. Because of his acrobatic play at shortstop, the players in the Mexican League began to say “don’t hit it to shortstop because ‘El Diablo” plays there.”
Cool Papa Bell recalled: “The shortstops I’ve seen, Wells could cover ground better than any of them. Willie Wells was the greatest shortstop in the world.”
During his 20-plus year career on the diamond, Wells was the definition of a five-tool player. He could hit for average and power, run and was a tremendous defensive shortstop with a wonderfully accurate arm.