Willie "The Devil" Wells was one of the finest players to play in pre-integration black baseball leagues. A true five tool shortstop, Wells was one of the fastest runners in each league he played in, as well as one of the best defenders and possessing a fantastic bat.
Playing for multiple Negro League teams, he was known as part of the famous "Million Dollar Infield" in his time with the Newark Eagles. The infield included fellow legend Mule Suttles, as well as stars Ray Dandridge and Dick Seay.
As was common for non-white players pre-integration, Wells played in Mexico and enjoyed his time in the first years of the 1940s there. Compared to the brutal segregation and racist groups throughout America, Wells enjoyed the acceptance and freedom he found in Mexico. For the rest of his playing career he spent time in Mexico, US, and Canada until 1950.
Wells, besides being one of the biggest stars of black baseball, was also the first professional player to wear a being helmet while batting, something that would not be required until decades later.
Wells may not have the notoriety of arguably the greatest hitters and pitchers of all time, Josh Gibson and Satchel Paige respectively, but Wells career spanning from the early 20s to 1950 still carries a lasting legacy that earned him a spot in the hall of fame in 1997. Wells passed away in 1989, missing his induction, sadly all to common for former black baseball stars.
