If ball fields could talk, the stories told here on the edge of Harris-Stowe State University's campus would share the best ones the fewest people know.
Between 1922 and 1931, this diamond on the corner of Market Street and Compton Avenue in Midtown was home to Stars Park, the Black-owned stadium belonging to the three-time Negro National League champion St. Louis Stars. The stars of the Stars included National Baseball Hall of Famers like shortstop Willie “El Diablo” Wells, first baseman George “Mule” Suttles and, of course, outfielder James “Cool Papa” Bell, a man who could move around the field so fast, Cardinals legend Lou Brock sought out his baserunning advice.