William Malcolm “Bill” Dickey is honored this week as we celebrate not only his service in the US Naval Reserves during WWII but also the United States Navy’s 248th birthday on Friday, October 13th .
Dickey is considered to be one of the greatest catchers of all-time. He was not only a great catcher for the New York Yankees when he was named to eleven All-Star games but was also a contributing factor in the team winning seven World Series titles.
As a player, Dickey’s professional career began in 1928, at the young age of 21. He joined the Yankees and became their number one catcher just one year after his rookie season. He remained their catcher until 1944, when he entered the Navy despite a serious sinus condition. His passion for baseball continued when he became an athletic officer and organized recreational activities for soldiers serving in the Pacific from 1944-1945. He also managed the US Navy team that won the 1944 Service World Series in Hawaii.
In 1946, Dickey returned to the Yankees and became the club’s manager after Joe McCarthy resigned. He then left the Yankees and became a minor league manager and, in 1949, was asked to return in order to help Yogi Berra with his defensive skills. Dickey’s successful career resulted in his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1954.
The Foundation recognizes Bill Dickey for his contributions in the United States Navy and the long-term impact he had on baseball.