Who Was Claude "Steel Arm" Dickey?

Claude “Steel Arm” Dickey was born on June 2, 1899, in Morganton, Georgia, and later came to live in Etowah, Tennessee, which he would call home. Already a member of the Knoxville Giants, he pitched for the team during their inaugural 1920 season and spent much of his career in the Negro Southern League.

At his peak, Dickey was regarded as one of the most dominant pitchers in Black baseball. A left-handed pitcher, he was known for his powerful arm and relentless drive, throwing with a velocity that exceeded the standards of his time. Residents of Etowah later recalled that his pitches were so fast they were nearly impossible to see.



During the summer of 1920, Dickey won 25 consecutive starts, a remarkable streak that brought him national recognition. His success led to opportunities beyond Knoxville, including a series of contracts reportedly valued at around $5,000 each. Despite this, the Giants relied heavily on Dickey throughout that standout season, where his performance proved central to the team’s success.