Dizzy Dean: Arkansas Pitcher with Unwavering Confidence
This page from the 1965 Big Time Baseball sports publication highlights Dizzy Dean, an iconic pitcher known for his brash confidence during his early career with the St. Louis Cardinals. Dean, a former Arkansas sharecropper, was unapologetically vocal about considering himself the best pitcher in history, a sentiment that left his teammates astounded. The anecdote shared illustrates Dean's bold personality. As a rookie, Dean took a couple of silk shirts from catcher Jimmy Wilson, claiming that as the greatest pitcher, he should not look poorly dressed. Dean humorously justified his actions by comparing himself favorably to legendary pitchers like Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson, suggesting he deserved the finest attire. Wilson, initially upset, couldn't help but laugh at Dean's audacity when Dean confessing to taking just two shirts.