Hall of Fame Spotlight - Dizzy Dean

Photo is from www.baseballhall.org

Dizzy Dean was born Jay Hanna Dean on January 16, 1910 in Lucas, Arkansas.  He pitched for the Cardinals, Cubs and Browns in a career that spanned from 1930, 1932-1941 and 1947.  He had a career record of 150-83 with 1,163 strikeouts and an ERA of 3.02.  Here are some more of Dean's accomplishments:

• Won 20 games or more in 4 straight seasons (1933, 34, 35 and 36)
• Won 30 games (and was the last NL pitcher to win 30 games) in 1934
• Led the NL in wins in 1934 (30) and 1935 (28)
• Led the league in strikeouts for 4 straight seasons (1932, 33, 34 and 35)
• Led the league in shutouts twice (1932 with 4 and 1934 with 7)
• 1934 NL MVP
• Won the World Series in 1934 with the St. Louis Cardinals as a member of the fabled 'Gashouse Gang'

Dean injured his toe during the 1937 All Star game.  When he changed his delivery to try to avoid some of the pain, his mechanics were altered, resulting in an arm injury from which he would never recover.  He was out of the game after he turned 31 (1941), only to return for one game for the Browns in 1947.

After his playing career was over, Dean would go on to become a successful commentator.  He was known for butchering the English language, but this quality is what endeared him to fans.

Dean died of a heart attack at the age of 64 in 1974.

Dean is one of those legendary players from the 1930s who definitely deserves his spot in the Hall.  He is probably most similar to Sandy Koufax in that he didn't pitch for very long, but during a 5-year stretch, he was unstoppable...

Dizzy Dean signed memorabilia can be very expensive.  Signed post cards are selling for around $300.00 while signed baseballs can go anywhere from around $800 to $5,000.