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Willie James Wells (August 10, 1906 – January 22, 1989), nicknamed "the Devil", was an American baseball player. He was a shortstop who played from 1924 to 1948 for various teams in the Negro leagues and in Latin America.
Wells was a fast base-runner who hit for both power and average. He was at his finest with his glove, committing almost no errors and having the speed to run down anything that came in his direction. He is widely considered the best black shortstop of his day. He also taught Jackie Robinson how to turn a double play.Wells was also notable as being the first player to use a batting helmet, after being hit and receiving a concussion while playing with the Newark Eagles (his first helmet was a construction helmet).
Wells is a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
On February 5, 2022 the baseball field at Anderson High School (8403 Mesa Dr., Austin, TX 78759) was dedicated in Willie's honor. The celebration included members of the Wells' family with the keynote presentation by Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.