Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Dizzy Dean 48-09-04 (10) High Batting Average

Date: September 4, 2025

Overview

In this episode, legendary pitcher Dizzy Dean joins host Frank Eshin to reminisce about baseball’s golden years, focusing on the challenges of maintaining a high batting average, the demands on pitchers, the art of "jockeying" (bench banter and psychological games), clubhouse camaraderie, and advice for aspiring young ball players. Rich with humorous, candid anecdotes and lively banter, the episode offers a first-hand look at the personalities and culture of mid-century Major League Baseball.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Challenge of High Batting Averages

[00:12 - 02:04]

• Focus on Stan Musial (.376) and Ted Williams (.365):
  Dizzy and Frank discuss the impressive batting averages of the era's top hitters.

• Sustaining a .400 Average:

  • Dean explains the difficulty of maintaining such numbers over a season, noting:

    "It's just doggone tough to hit .400...anybody who ever hits .400 in the major leagues really has something to be proud of." — Dizzy Dean [01:31]

• Mechanics of Batting Statistics:

  • Explains how just a single bad day can drop averages quickly, requiring even better subsequent performance to recover.

2. The Mailbag: Pitcher’s Endurance & Days Off

[02:04 - 05:01]

• Listener William Shambaugh (Cincinnati) Asks About Modern Pitcher Stamina:

  • Wonders if more rest days would help pitchers throw more complete games, as in Rube Waddell’s era.

• Dizzy’s Response:

  • Skeptical of too much rest:

    "A pitcher has to run a lot. He ain't going to keep his legs in shape, setting on a riverbank with a fishing pole in his hand." — Dizzy Dean [02:51]

  • Stresses importance of staying ready for relief roles and the value of versatility.

• Memorable Personal Anecdote:

  • Dizzy tells a story about pinch-hitting with the bases loaded, ignoring a take sign and hitting a home run:

    "Keep your shirt on, Mike. I know we was three runs behind, but we ain't no more!" — Dizzy Dean [04:41]

3. “Jockeys” and Dugout Psychology

[05:03 - 07:10]

• Listener Stuart Boggs (Philadelphia) Asks About Dugout “Jockeys”:
  • Dizzy explains the difference between a jockey in horse racing and a “baseball jockey”—players who verbally needle opponents to distract or rattle them.
  • Recounts 1934 World Series, when Cardinals taunted the Tigers, calling them “Pussycats” and teasing pitcher Schoolboy Row:

    "He sure was miserable out there trying to pitch with Pat Crawford, our number one jockey... always asking out loud how he was doing, Edna." — Dizzy Dean [06:18]

  • How media became fodder for team banter, especially headlines about injured Tigers’ captain Mickey Cochran.

4. The Colorful Cardinals Clubhouse

[08:48 - 09:25]

• On the Spirit and Discipline of the “Gas House Gang”:

  • Fun and mischief were abundant, but baseball came first. Standouts mentioned include Pepper Martin, Rip Collins, Terry Moore, and Joe Medrick.

• No Room for Playboys:

  "Baseball was them boys’ life... A playboy just couldn't stay long in that club." — Dizzy Dean [09:13]

• Cautionary Anecdote About an Irresponsible Pitcher:

  • Story of a pitcher (pseudonym “Joe”), who squandered his wages and failed to prep for a big game:

    "Mac, you send my paychecks to my wife. Let her pitch." — Dizzy Dean [11:00]

5. Advice for Young Ballplayers

[11:01 - 12:57]

• Player Development & Importance of Coaching:
  • Dean stresses value of seeking instruction from retired pros:

    "In almost every city...there are a few old ball players retired but still interested in the game. Why not try to find such an old ball player in your town or neighborhood?" — Dizzy Dean [11:45]

  • Suggests establishing a formal coaching initiative as part of baseball’s pension plan for retired players, addressing league presidents by name.

6. The Pennant Races (Season Outlook)

[12:57 - 14:10]

• Dean’s Predictions:
  • Pitching depth will decide the pennant races.
  • Yankees' resurgence with Frank Shea mentioned as pivotal, with George Munger critical for Cardinals.
• Schedule Considerations:
  • Stresses the toughness of late season play, including against second-division teams.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Hitting .400:

  "Anybody who ever hits .400 in the major leagues really has something to be proud of." — Dizzy Dean [01:31]

• On Pitcher’s Rest:

  "He ain't going to keep his legs in shape, setting on a riverbank with a fishing pole in his hand." — Dizzy Dean [02:51]

• Ignoring the ‘Take’ Sign:

  "Keep your shirt on, Mike. I know we was three runs behind, but we ain't no more!" — Dizzy Dean [04:41]

• On ‘Jockeying’:

  "In baseball, the jockey rides the other team... he can sting you plenty." — Dizzy Dean [05:20]

• Clubhouse Discipline:

  "There was no playboys on that ball club. A playboy just couldn't stay long in that club." — Dizzy Dean [09:13]

• Wage-Garnishing Story:

  "Let her pitch." — Dizzy Dean [11:00]

• Advice to Youth:

  "Why not try to find such an old ball player in your town or neighborhood? I'll bet he'd be tickled to death..." — Dizzy Dean [11:45]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Discussion of Musial and Williams Batting Averages: 00:12–02:04
• Pitching, Fatigue, and Mailbag Question: 02:04–05:01
• Story of Dizzy Ignoring the Take Sign: 03:31–04:56
• Definition & Stories About “Jockeys”: 05:03–07:10
• On Cardinals' Clubhouse, camaraderie, and discipline: 08:48–09:25
• Anecdote About the Irresponsible Pitcher: 09:25–11:01
• Advice to Young Players & Coaching Proposal: 11:01–12:57
• Pennant Races Outlook: 12:57–14:10

Conclusion

Entertaining and rich in old-school baseball wisdom, this episode captures the heart, humor, and hard-earned insights of Dizzy Dean, making it a vibrant listen for fans of the game’s past or anyone interested in teamwork, adversity, and passion for sport.