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Paul Dean, Jr. RIP
“He’s the hottest thing you ever saw…He’s gonna make ‘em forget me and Paul.” –Dizzy Dean, speaking of his nephew, Paul Dean, Jr.
I’d like to depart today from my normal posting protocols and extend our deepest condolences to our Facebook friend, Mark Dean, as we learn of the passing of Mark’s father, Paul Dean, Jr., aged 84.
A second-generation member of the Cardinals’ legendary Dean family, Paul, Jr. was the son of Paul Dean, one of the heroes of the Cardinals’ 1934 World Series championship – in which the “Gashouse Gang” defeated the Tigers – and the nephew of the Cardinals’ great Hall-of-Famer, Dizzy Dean.
In doing a little research about Paul Dean, Jr., I found that the apple had not fallen far from the Dean family tree. A talented pitcher in his own right, Paul, Jr. was at one time considered an outstanding major league prospect. Back in 1955, Look magazine did an article on the Dean family; and instead of the usual flattering article extolling Dizzy and Paul, they used the article to promote Paul Dean Jr., a recent high school graduate at the time, with the headline: “The Greatest Dean Of Them All.” That was quite a pedigree to live up to.
At 6’3” and 200 lbs, Paul Jr. had been a dominant pitcher for his Lakeside High School and in American Legion summer ball that year. Paul appeared to be living up to the typically boastful Dizzy Dean prediction I featured at the top of the post. After a year of college ball at SMU, Paul was signed in 1957 by the Milwaukee Braves and had an outstanding year at Lawton, Oklahoma, their Class D affiliate in
Paul Dean, Jr. warms up at Wrigley Field under the watchful eye of his father, Paul Dean, Sr.
the Sooner league. He was considered one of the Braves’ top pitching prospects, and promotion to Class C Eau Claire soon followed. Control problems began to plague Paul, and by 1959 he decided to “hang ’em up.” As did his father before him, Paul decided to return to Arkansas to raise his family and soon became a successful businessman.
A couple years ago, I interviewed Mark Dean (who has often served as my “Dean family contact”) following the “Dizzy Dean Day” festivities at Bush Stadium in which his dad, Paul Dean, Jr. was the guest of honor. Mark shared with me some interesting information about his dad:
“He was really close to his uncle Diz. My mom and dad lived in the same town as Diz. My mom helped run the Dizzy Dean museum and my dad would travel across the county with Diz and help him get around while doing personal appearances. Dad tells the story of one time being in the broadcast booth with Diz when Ted Williams came in to visit. My dad gave Ted some gum and he hit five home runs in a doubleheader! Ted saw my dad after the game and told dad he wanted some more of that gum!”
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Paul Dean, Jr. resided in Greenwood Arkansas, where he operated a convenience store for many years. Here he would entertain friends with interesting stories about baseball icons he had met, including Babe Ruth and Stan Musial, and just talking Cardinal baseball. He would often share funny stories about Dizzy Dean, and he especially enjoyed showing his dad’s 1934 World Series ring. His friend Marty Houston recalled Paul Dean in his moving tribute on Facebook:
“His greatest legacy was his family, so proud of all of his sons who have all gone on to become successful coaches, educators, and businessmen, proud of his grandchildren and proud of his legacy…I was privileged to hear so many of his stories, he probably should have written a book, but he has passed his legacy in more ways than one to his sons and grandchildren, who will keep his spirit and stories alive. A true treasure for anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. RIP the great Paul Dean.”
Again, our condolences go out to Mark Dean and the entire Dean family.
Gary Livacari