Johnny Dickshot

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name=Johnny Dickshot

|position=Left fielder

|image=Johnny Dickshot 1943.jpg

|image_size=230px

|caption=Dickshot, circa 1942

|bats=Right

|throws=Right

|birth_date={{Birth date|1910|1|24}}

|birth_place=Waukegan, Illinois, U.S.

|death_date={{death date and age|1997|11|4|1910|1|24}}

|death_place=Waukegan, Illinois, U.S.

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate=April 16

|debutyear=1936

|debutteam=Pittsburgh Pirates

|finalleague = MLB

|finaldate=September 25

|finalyear=1945

|finalteam=Chicago White Sox

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label=Batting average

|stat1value=.276

|stat2label=Home runs

|stat2value=7

|stat3label=Runs batted in

|stat3value=116

|teams=

Pittsburgh Pirates (1936–1938)
New York Giants (1939)
Chicago White Sox (1944–1945)

}}

John Oscar Dickshot (born John Oscar Dicksus,{{refn|Dickshot's original last name is listed in The Baseball Encyclopedia as "Dicksus".{{cite book|title=The Baseball Encyclopedia|year=2007|publisher=Sterling Publishing|isbn=978-1-4027-4771-7|page=445}}{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73631396/baseball-bible-book-of-names-10000/|title=Baseball 'Bible': Book of Names (10,000 of 'em)|first=Paul|last=Zimmerman|work=Los Angeles Times|page=2-D|date=June 9, 1963|access-date=February 24, 2021|via=Newspapers.com}} The name has also been given as "Diksus" and "Dicksas".|name=name|group=lower-alpha}} January 24, 1910{{refn|Though Dickshot's date of birth was reported as January 24, 1912, and his high school graduation as 1930 during his playing career,{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73627584/pirates-trade-todd-dickshot-for-bees/ |title=Pirates trade Todd, Dickshot for Bees' Mueller|page=19|work=Chicago Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 17, 1938 |access-date=January 24, 2021}}{{cite web|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73627643/dickshot-and-brack-prize-rookies/|title=Dickshot and Brack Prize Rookies|first=Braven|last=Dyer|page=14|work=The Los Angeles Times|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 25, 1937 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} The Baseball Encyclopedia lists his date of birth as January 24, 1910, and contemporary reports indicated that he graduated from high school in 1928.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73631680/waukegan-news-sun/|title=Coach Brown To Lose Four Stars In Graduations|first=Franklin|last=Ullrey|work=Waukegan News-Sun|via=Newspapers.com|date=March 12, 1928|access-date=March 16, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73631505/waukegan-news-sun/|title=List of Graduates Who Received Diplomas at High School Last Night|work=Waukegan News-Sun|via=Newspapers.com|page=21|date=June 8, 1928|access-date=March 16, 2021}}|name=birth|group=lower-alpha}} – November 4, 1997), nicknamed "Ugly" Johnny Dickshot, was an American professional baseball left fielder. He played in Major League Baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates, the New York Giants, and the Chicago White Sox. His professional career, including the seasons he spent in Minor League Baseball, ran from 1930 to 1947. He received the nickname "Ugly" because he proclaimed himself to be "the ugliest man in baseball" during his career.

From Waukegan, Illinois, Dickshot began playing as a semi-professional and in the minor leagues in the early 1930s. He was scouted and signed by the Pirates in 1934, and they promoted him to the major leagues in 1936. The Pirates gave Dickshot a significant role in 1937, but played him sparingly in 1938. A strong season in the minor leagues in 1939 earned him a brief trial with the Giants. Dickshot played in the minor leagues until the White Sox acquired him for the 1944 and 1945 seasons. He returned to the minor leagues in 1946 and his career ended in 1947.

Early life

John Oscar Dicksus{{refn|name=name|group=lower-alpha}} was born in Waukegan, Illinois, on January 24, 1910.{{refn|name=birth|group=lower-alpha}} He was of German and Lithuanian heritage. His father worked as a foreman in a local steel mill, where the timekeepers misheard his last name, registering him as "Dickshot". The family adopted it as their new surname.{{refn|According to other stories told, an announcer mispronounced his name{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73627889/accidental-name/|title=Accidental Name|first=Bert|last=Keane|page=13|work=Hartford Courant|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 1, 1937|access-date=February 24, 2021}} or sportswriters misheard and misreported his last name, and after he tried without success to correct it, he adopted it as his last name. |group=lower-alpha}} He had a sister, Martha, who also played baseball in Waukegan.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73627834/martha-dickshot-shows-brother-john-that/|title=Martha Dickshot Shows Brother John That She Can Play Baseball, Too|page=14|work=The Rock Island Argus|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 29, 1932|access-date=February 11, 2021}}

When he was young, Dickshot's skull was fractured by older children throwing bottles in his backyard; he lost consciousness for three days and doctors inserted a metal plate in his head.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73627985/rookies-impress-pirate-president/|title=Rookies Impress Pirate President|page=19|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|via=Newspapers.com|date=March 11, 1936|access-date=January 26, 2021}} During his youth, Dickshot worked a number of jobs, starting with delivering newspapers when he was in grammar school. He also worked in the steel mill with his father, and spent some of his free time watching the Chicago Cubs play at Wrigley Field.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73627525/johnny-dickshot-wit-of-pirates-crew/ |title=Johnny Dickshot Wit of Pirates' Crew|first=Charles J.|last=Doyle|page=23|work=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|via=Newspapers.com |date=April 13, 1936 |access-date=January 24, 2021}}

Dickshot attended Waukegan High School. He did not participate in sports until his senior year, as his father had insisted until then that he should work after school.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74120217/dickshot-banks-on-his-ring/|title=Dickshot banks on his ring|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|page=16|via=Newspapers.com|date=March 15, 1940|access-date=March 16, 2021}} As a senior, he lettered in baseball, football, basketball, and swimming.{{cite web|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73627750/sportraits/|title=Sportraits|first=Al|last=Wolf|page=8|work=The Los Angeles Times|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 6, 1943 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} In football, Dickshot was named All-State as a halfback.{{cite web|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73627711/names-not-dickshot-and-hes-not-indian/|title=Name's Not Dickshot and He's Not Indian|page=25|work=The Los Angeles Times|via=Newspapers.com|date=April 17, 1941 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} He graduated from high school in 1928.{{refn|name=birth|group=lower-alpha}}

Career

=Early career (1930–1935)=

Dickshot began playing professional baseball in 1930 with the Dubuque Tigers of the Class D Mississippi Valley League. He had a .309 batting average in 19 games played with Dubuque.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73628065/southern-league-newcomers/|title=Southern League Newcomers|first=Charles J.|last=Foreman|page=8|work=The Chattanooga Times|date=February 5, 1935|access-date=January 28, 2021}} He did not play professionally in 1931, staying in Waukegan to work for his family in the steel mill during the Great Depression as his father had fallen ill. He played semi-professional baseball locally in 1931,{{cite web|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73628133/stalwarts-win-in-game-at-waukegan/|title=Stalwarts Win in Game at Waukegan|page=18|work=Kenosha News|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 28, 1931 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} and Nick Keller, the Illinois State Representative from Waukegan who also coached the team, scouted Dickshot for the Milwaukee Brewers of the Class AA American Association.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73624550/dickshot-says-aid-of-schulte-helped-him/|title=Dickshot Says Aid of Schulte Helped Him to Make Good|page=5|work=Republican-Northwestern|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 18, 1937 |access-date=January 25, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73628233/regulars-and-yannigans-due-to-meet-again/|title=Regulars and Yannigans Due to Meet Again|page=12|work=The Rock Island Argus|via=Newspapers.com|date=April 29, 1933 |access-date=January 25, 2021}} The Brewers signed Dickshot to a contract in September 1931,{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73628306/milwaukee-brewers-sign-j-dickshot/|title=Milwaukee Brewers Sign. J. Dickshot|work=Waukegan News-Sun|page=10|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 29, 1931|access-date=March 10, 2021}} and Dickshot attended spring training with the Brewers in 1932.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73628366/33-brewers-to-go-south-for-spring-drills/ |title=33 Brewers To Go South For Spring Drills|agency=United Press|page=5|work=News-Record|via=Newspapers.com|date=February 10, 1932 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} The Brewers assigned him to the Fort Smith Twins of the Class C Western Association.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73628417/new-rookies-to-twin-camp/|title=New Rookies To Twin Camp|page=11|work=The Springfield Press|via=Newspapers.com|date=April 14, 1932 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} In July, the Twins relocated to Muskogee, Oklahoma,{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73628468/muskogee-gets-marrs-orphans/|title=Muskogee Gets Marr's Orphans|work=The Hutchinson News|page=13|via=Newspapers.com|date=July 1, 1932|access-date=January 26, 2021}} as the Muskogee Chiefs, and a week later, the Brewers reassigned Dickshot to the Rock Island Islanders of the Mississippi Valley League.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73628529/islanders-win-final-game-by-margin-of/|title=Islanders Win Final Game By Margin of 9–1|page=22|work=The Rock Island Argus|via=Newspapers.com|date=July 9, 1932 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} Dickshot batted .262 with 11 stolen bases in 71 games for Fort Smith / Muskogee,{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73628602/stan-keyes-and-others-who-once-played/|title=Stan Keyes and Others Who Once Played Ball in These Parts Hang Onto Old Power|first=Matt|last=Voss|page=24|work=The Rock Island Argus|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 2, 1932|access-date=January 26, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=e8b2e973|title=1932 Fort Smith Twins/Muskogee Chiefs|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=February 7, 2021}} and batted .264 with 34 stolen bases in 66 games for Rock Island.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73628668/this-mornings-fare-for-fans/ |title=This Morning's Fare For Fans|first=Leroy|last=Menzing|page=8|work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 2, 1933 |access-date=January 24, 2021}}

Milwaukee exercised its option on Dickshot after the 1932 season,{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73628734/sport-trail/|title=Sport Trail|page=26|work=The Rock Island Argus|via=Newspapers.com |date=August 31, 1932 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} and assigned him to the San Antonio Missions of the Class A Texas League at the start of the 1933 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73628784/san-antonio-seems-to-lack-hitting-and/|title=San Antonio Seems to Lack Hitting and Pitching Punch|page=9|work=The Oklahoma News |via=Newspapers.com|date=March 30, 1933 |access-date=January 26, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73628820/dickshot-blasts-at-348-pace-in-texas/|title=Dickshot Blasts at .348 Pace in Texas Ball Loop|work=Kenosha News|page=10|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 22, 1933|access-date=January 27, 2021}} Though he was batting .397, the Missions released him in late April to make room on their roster for Larry Bettencourt, and he signed with the Fort Worth Cats of the Texas League.{{cite web|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73628942/dickshot-to-be-at-post-in-left-field/|title=Dickshot to Be at Post in Left Field|first=Flem R.|last=Hall|page=17|work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram|via=Newspapers.com|date=April 28, 1933 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} The Cats sent Dickshot to the Waco Bruins of the Class C Dixie League in late-May,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73629002/dickshot-is-sent-waco-bruins/ |title=Dickshot Is Sent Waco Bruins|page=8|agency=Associated Press|work=Longview News-Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 23, 1933 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} but Dickshot refused to report to Waco.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73629052/jinxs-hot-shots/ |title=Jinx's Hot Shots|page=2|work=The Waco News-Tribune|via=Newspapers.com |date=May 25, 1933 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} He returned to Waukeagan, where he played semi-professional baseball.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73629143/knights-defeat-ivanhoe-110/|title=Knights Defeat Ivanhoe, 11–0|work=Waukegan News-Sun|page=7|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 29, 1933|access-date=March 10, 2021}}

A free agent heading into the 1934 season, Dickshot signed with Rock Island, now in the Class A Western League.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73629177/dickshot-signs-with-islanders/ |title=Dickshot Signs With Islanders|page=15|work=The Dispatch|via=Newspapers.com|date=March 20, 1934 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} At the end of May, Dickshot was released by Rock Island,{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73629253/prince-pitches-blues-to-another-win/ |title=Prince Pitches Blues To Another Win Over Rocks|first=Leo|last=Kautz|page=12|work=The Daily Times |via=Newspapers.com|date=May 29, 1934 |access-date=January 26, 2021}} and he signed with Cedar Rapids Raiders, also of the Western League.{{cite web|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73629321/raiders-drop-both-ends-of-twin-bill-to/|title=Raiders Drop Both Ends of Twin Bill To Des Moines, 6–5, 8–5|work=The Gazette |via=Newspapers.com|date=May 31, 1934 |access-date=January 26, 2021}} He batted .343 with 16 home runs and 20 stolen bases for Rock Island and Cedar Rapids.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73629405/new-manager-young-players-hope-of-pebs/ |title=New Manager, Young Players Hope of Pebs|first=Ted H.|last=Maloy|agency=United Press|page=6|work=The Anniston Star|via=Newspapers.com |date=April 8, 1935 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} While he played for Cedar Rapids, a scout for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball's National League noticed Dickshot, and signed him.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73629489/johnny-dickshot-is-signed-up-by/|title=Johnny Dickshot is Signed Up By Pittsburgh Team|page=8|work=Kenosha News|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 14, 1934|access-date=January 26, 2021}} Cedar Rapids sold Dickshot to the Little Rock Travelers of the Class A Southern Association for the 1935 season,{{cite web|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73629564/raiders-sell-dickshot-to-little-rock/|title=Raiders Sell Dickshot To Little Rock; To Go Next Season|first=Tait|last=Cummins|page=8|work=The Gazette |via=Newspapers.com|date=August 1, 1934 |access-date=January 26, 2021}} and he batted .309 for Little Rock.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73629619/pittsburgh-pirates-personalities/|title=Pittsburgh Pirates Personalities|page=13|work=The Evening Standard|via=Newspapers.com |date=April 2, 1937 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} The Pirates recalled Dickshot to their roster after the 1935 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73629667/nick-etten-goes-back-to-pirates-for/|title=Nick Etten Goes Back to Pirates For Another Try|page=14|work=The Daily Times|via=Newspapers.com |date=September 4, 1935 |access-date=January 24, 2021}}

=Pittsburgh Pirates (1936–1938)=

Dickshot made the Pirates' Opening Day roster for the 1936 season as a reserve outfielder, as Lloyd Waner was recovering from pneumonia.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73629777/1936-bucs-strengthened-in-three-vital/|title=1936 Bucs Strengthened In Three Vital Places|page=32|work=The Pittsburgh Press|via=Newspapers.com|date=April 10, 1936 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} He made his major league debut as a pinch hitter on April 16, and batted 2-for-9 (.222) in nine games for the Pirates.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PIT/1936.shtml|title=1936 Pittsburgh Pirates Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=January 26, 2021}} With a May 15 deadline to reduce their roster size, Pittsburgh demoted Dickshot to the Buffalo Bisons of the International League.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73629848/shuffle-off-to-buffalo-dickshots-theme/ |title=Shuffle Off To Buffalo Dickshot's Theme Song|page=27|work=The Pittsburgh Press|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 11, 1936 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} Dickshot batted .365 for the Bisons, the third-highest average in the league behind only Phil Weintraub and Smead Jolley, and led the International League in stolen bases with 35.{{cite web|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73629922/sunlight-on-sports/|title=Sunlight on Sports|first=Jesse A.|last=Linthicum|page=2|work=The Baltimore Sun|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 27, 1936 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} After the Bisons won the league's championship, the Pirates promoted Dickshot back to the major leagues.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73629979/sports-roundup/|title=Sports Roundup|first=Eddie|last=Brietz|agency=Associated Press|page=7|work=The Daily Messenger|via=Newspapers.com |date=September 3, 1936 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} He did not appear in another game for Pittsburgh during the 1936 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=dicksjo01&t=b&year=1936|title=Johnny Dickshot 1936 Batting Game Logs|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=January 28, 2021}}

In spring training with the Pirates in 1937, Dickshot competed with Woody Jensen to be the starting left fielder,{{cite web|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73630019/fights-on-dickshot-signs-with-pirates/|title=Fight's On! Dickshot Signs With Pirates|first=Chester L.|last=Smith|page=25|work=The Pittsburgh Press|via=Newspapers.com|date=February 2, 1937 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} and Pie Traynor, the Pirates' manager, chose Dickshot over Jensen.{{cite web|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73630097/dickshot-wins-left-field-position/|title=Dickshot Wins Left Field Position|first=Charles J.|last=Doyle|page=21|work=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|via=Newspapers.com |date=April 11, 1937 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} Traynor wanted Dickshot, who was right-handed, in the lineup for balance, as Jensen, Lloyd and Paul Waner, Gus Suhr, and Arky Vaughan all were left-handed batters.{{cite web|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73630148/pen-shots-at-rookies/|title=Pen Shots at Rookies|first=Tommy|last=Holmes|page=20|work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle|via=Newspapers.com |date=February 23, 1937 |access-date=January 25, 2021}} Dickshot struggled early in the season and was benched after he dropped a fly ball that cost the Pirates the game on May 23.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73630203/sport-scene/ |title=Sport Scene |first=Harry|last=Keck|page=30|work=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|via=Newspapers.com|date=June 2, 1937 |access-date=January 25, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73630274/pirate-personalities/|title=Pirate Personalities|work=Clovis News-Journal|date=April 5, 1938|page=6|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 27, 2021}} He was put back in the lineup in late June.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=dicksjo01&t=b&year=1937|title=Johnny Dickshot 1937 Batting Game Logs|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=January 28, 2021}}{{cite web|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73630375/dickshot-may-return-to-pirate-lineup/|title=Dickshot May Return To Pirate Lineup|first=Charles J.|last=Doyle|page=22|work=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|via=Newspapers.com|date=June 29, 1937 |access-date=January 25, 2021}} Dickshot collided with Vaughan, the shortstop, in a game in July, resulting in Vaughan tearing cartilage in his knee.{{cite web|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73630425/injury-to-keep-shortstop-out-of-action/|title=Injury to Keep Shortstop Out Of Action|page=19|first=Charles J.|last=Doyle|work=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|via=Newspapers.com |date=July 12, 1937 |access-date=January 25, 2021}} When Vaughan returned to the Pirates lineup in August, he replaced Dickshot in left field.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73630504/vaughan-in-left-for-pirates/ |title=Vaughan in Left For Pirates|page=1|work=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 20, 1937 |access-date=January 25, 2021}} Dickshot batted .254 with three home runs, but no stolen bases, in 84 games. His .950 fielding percentage was the third-lowest in the National League, ahead of Chuck Klein and Johnny Moore.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PIT/1937.shtml|title=1937 Pittsburgh Pirates Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=January 26, 2021}}

After Dickshot's disappointing 1937 season, the Pirates acquired Johnny Rizzo to compete with Dickshot for playing time in left field.{{cite web|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73630552/sport-scene/|title=Sport Scene |first=Harry|last=Keck|page=2|work=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|via=Newspapers.com|date=February 13, 1938 |access-date=January 24, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73630612/sport-scene/|title=Sport Scene |first=Harry|last=Keck|page=2|work=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|via=Newspapers.com|date=March 13, 1938 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} Dickshot played sparingly for Pittsburgh in 1938, batting .229 in 29 games, with three stolen bases and no home runs.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PIT/1938.shtml|title=1938 Pittsburgh Pirates Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=March 10, 2021}} After the 1938 season, the Pirates traded Dickshot and Al Todd with $30,000 to the Boston Bees for Ray Mueller.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73630661/boston-bees-get-johnny-dickshot/|title=Boston Bees Get Johnny Dickshot|agency=Associated Press|page=4|work=The Newport Daily Express|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 17, 1938 |access-date=January 24, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73630734/braves-buzzings/|title=Braves Buzzings|page=11|work=The Boston Globe|via=Newspapers.com|date=March 19, 1951|access-date=January 28, 2021}}

=New York Giants and minors (1939–1943)=

File:Johnny Dickshot 1942.jpg

The Bees gave Dickshot the opportunity to compete to be their starting center fielder in spring training.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73630836/make-good-showing/ |title=Make Good Showing|first=Harry|last=Grayson|agency=National Editorial Association|page=5|work=Blackwell Daily Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=March 21, 1939 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} However, Johnny Cooney, Max West, and Debs Garms, the Bees starting outfielders in the 1938 season, returned for the 1939 season, and the Bees also acquired Al Simmons and Jimmy Outlaw during the offseason.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73630915/hassett-simmons-give-bigger-sting-to/|title=Hassett, Simmons Give Bigger Sting To Boston's Bees|page=6|work=Belvidere Daily Republican|via=Newspapers.com|date=February 9, 1939 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} Before the 1939 season began, Dickshot went unclaimed in waivers and the Bees sold him to the Jersey City Giants of the International League.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73630963/bees-announce-sale-of-johnny-dickshot/|title=Bees Announce Sale of Johnny Dickshot|page=14|agency=Associated Press|work=The San Bernardino County Sun|via=Newspapers.com|date=April 11, 1939 |access-date=January 24, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73631018/skeeters-buy-dickshot/|title=Skeeters Buy Dickshot|page=15|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|via=Newspapers.com|date=April 11, 1939|access-date=January 28, 2021}}

With Jersey City in 1939, Dickshot won the International League batting championship with a .355 average, and also led the league with 16 triples.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73631087/dickshot-wins-il-batting-title-with-355/|title=Dickshot Wins IL Batting Title With .355|agency=Associated Press|page=17|work=The Courier-News|via=Newspapers.com |date=September 16, 1939 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} He finished in third place in balloting for the International League Most Valuable Player Award, behind Mickey Witek and Estel Crabtree.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73631136/witek-selected-as-most-valuable-in/|title=Witek Selected As Most Valuable In International Loop|page=6|work=The Montgomery Advertiser|date=October 25, 1939|via=Newspapers.com |access-date=January 25, 2021}} The New York Giants promoted Dickshot to the major leagues before the end of the 1939 season,{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73631182/terry-continue-building-for-next-season/|title=Terry Continue Building for Next Season|page=5|work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle|via=Newspapers.com |date=September 23, 1939 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} and he batted .235 in 10 games for the Giants.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYG/1939.shtml|title=1939 New York Giants Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=January 25, 2021}} The Giants invited Dickshot to spring training in 1940, and he competed with Jo-Jo Moore for playing time.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73631251/extra-innings-johnny-dickshot-spring/|title=Extra Innings: Johnny Dickshot Spring Favorite|first=Roy|last=Stockton|page=2E|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|via=Newspapers.com |date=March 15, 1940 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} The Giants returned Dickshot to Jersey City for the 1940 season,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73631309/dickshot-stewart-farmed/|title=Dickshot, Stewart Farmed|agency=Associated Press|page=16|work=The Herald-News|via=Newspapers.com|date=April 15, 1940 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} and he batted .290 for Jersey City that year.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73627305/howell-crowned-batting-champ/|title=Howell Crowned Batting Champ|agency=Associated Press|page=7|work=The Daily Record|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 21, 1940 |access-date=January 24, 2021}}

After the 1940 season, the Giants sold Dickshot and Roy Joiner to the Hollywood Stars of the Pacific Coast League (PCL) for $15,000 and the rights to Joe Hoover.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73627417/yanks-trade-jake-powell-to-seal-club/ |title=Yanks Trade Jake Powell To Seal Club|first=George|last=Kirksey|agency=United Press|page=5|work=The Ogden Standard-Examiner|via=Newspapers.com |date=December 7, 1940 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} Dickshot batted .298 in 1941,{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73627364/pirates-disclose-sale-of-kalin-to-twinks/ |title=Pirates Disclose Sale Of Kalin To Twinks|first=Stan|last=Speer|page=12|work=Los Angeles Evening Citizen News|via=Newspapers.com |date=January 30, 1942 |access-date=January 25, 2021}} and batted .302 in 1942.{{cite web|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73627130/final-marks-in-bat-race/|title=Final Marks In Bat Race|page=11|work=Oakland Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 5, 1942 |access-date=January 25, 2021}} During the 1943 season, Dickshot had a 33-game hitting streak,{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73627176/hollywood-los-angeles-to-resume/ |title=Hollywood, Los Angeles to Resume Long-Standing Feud|page=6|work=Ventura County Star-Free Press|via=Newspapers.com |date=May 4, 1948 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} which earned him the Helms Athletic Foundation Athlete of the Month Award for May 1943.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73627240/stars-bounce-suds-5-to-3/|title=Stars Bounce Suds, 5 to 3|first=Al|last=Wolf|date=June 5, 1943|page=10|work=Los Angeles Times|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 11, 2021}} He finished the season with a .356 batting average, two percentage points behind Andy Pafko for the PCL batting championship. He also finished second to Pafko in the PCL Most Valuable Player Award balloting.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73627081/coast-league-selects-pafko-most-valuable/|title=Coast League Selects Pafko Most Valuable|agency=Associated Press|page=23|work=The Salt Lake Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|date=October 2, 1943|access-date=January 25, 2021}} Dickshot attributed his success in 1943 to losing {{convert|20|lbs}} during the previous offseason.

=Chicago White Sox and later career (1944–1947)=

In September 1943, the Chicago White Sox purchased him from Hollywood for $1,500 on a conditional contract for the 1944 season; Chicago would return Dickshot to Hollywood by May 1944 if he did not make the team.{{cite web|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73627041/johnny-dickshot-sold-to-white-sox/|title=Johnny Dickshot Sold to White Sox|page=24|work=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 30, 1943 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} Dickshot had been classified as 4-F by the Selective Service System, ruling him ineligible for military service, due to the metal plate in his head.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73624469/dickshot-gets-white-sox-trial/|title=Dickshot Gets White Sox Trial|first=Charles|last=Chamberlain|agency=Associated Press|work=Des Moines Tribune|page=11|via=Newspapers.com |date=March 31, 1944|access-date=January 26, 2021}} With outfielder Thurman Tucker set to join the United States Navy, and fellow outfielders Wally Moses and Guy Curtright eligible to be drafted,{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73626980/dykes-believes-white-sox-has-material/|title=Dykes Believes White Sox Has Material to Win Championship|page=7|work=The Times|location=Shreveport, Louisiana|via=Newspapers.com|date=April 1, 1944|access-date=March 10, 2021}} the White Sox added Dickshot, Hal Trosky, and Grey Clarke to add power hitting.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73626909/player-famine-al-lists-260-on/|title=Player Famine? A.L. Lists 260 on Rosters of 8 Teams|first=Irving|last=Vaughan|work=Chicago Tribune|page=18|via=Newspapers.com|date=February 15, 1944|access-date=March 10, 2021}}

Dickshot had a .253 batting average with two stolen bases and no home runs in 62 games for the White Sox in 1944.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHW/1944.shtml|title=1944 Chicago White Sox Statistics|work=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=March 10, 2021}} The next season, Dickshot batted .302 with 18 stolen bases in 130 games; he also tied Curtright for the team lead with four home runs.{{cite web|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73626842/between-the-sport-lines/|title=Between The Sport Lines|first=Wilbur|last=Adams|work=The Sacramento Bee|page=20|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 28, 1945|access-date=February 6, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHW/1945.shtml|title=1945 Chicago White Sox Statistics|work=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=March 10, 2021}} His batting average was the third-best in the American League, behind Snuffy Stirnweiss and Tony Cuccinello.{{cite web|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73626640/snuffy-wins-bat-title-on-hit-boot-at/|title=Snuffy Wins Bat Title On Hit (Boot) at end|first=Hy|last=Turkin|page=55|work=New York Daily News|via=Newspapers.com |date=December 23, 1945 |access-date=February 6, 2021}} However, with major leaguers returning from military service at the end of World War II, the White Sox sold Dickshot back to Hollywood after the season, as they were reportedly looking for outfielders with better defensive skills.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73626754/twinks-buy-dickshot/ |title=Twinks buy Dickshot|work=Los Angeles Daily News|page=31|via=Newspapers.com |date=November 20, 1945 |access-date=February 6, 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73626585/white-sox-reduce-roster-by-two/|title=White Sox Reduce Roster By Two|agency=United Press|page=15|work=The Dayton Herald|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 21, 1945 |access-date=January 24, 2021}}

With Hollywood in 1946, Dickshot batted .214{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73626708/peoples-column/|title=People's Column|page=10|work=The Minneapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|date=June 7, 1947|access-date=January 28, 2021}} while playing in a reserve role. Hollywood sold him to Milwaukee in May 1946.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73626522/milwaukee-buys-johnny-dickshot/|title=Milwaukee Buys Johnny Dickshot|agency=Associated Press|page=24|work=Democrat and Chronicle|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 17, 1946 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} Dickshot competed for the American Association batting championship with Milwaukee,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73626457/a-close-batting-race-johnny-dickshot/ |title=A Close Batting Race: Johnny Dickshot of Brews Sets A.A. Pace With .346|page=5B|agency=Associated Press|work=The Kansas City Star|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 25, 1946 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} and finished the season in fifth place with a .326 average.{{cite web|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73626385/reid-shupe-lead-others-departments/|title=Reid, Shupe Lead Others Departments|page=44|work=The Indianapolis Star|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 15, 1946 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} Dickshot played for Milwaukee in 1947. He batted .253 in 37 games,{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=9d787104|title=1947 Milwaukee Brewers Statistics|work=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=March 10, 2021}} until they released him in June.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73626315/brewers-drop-dickshot/ |title=Brewers Drop Dickshot|agency=Associated Press|page=10|work=Eau Claire Leader|via=Newspapers.com|date=June 27, 1947 |access-date=January 24, 2021}}

="Ugliest man in baseball"=

Dickshot often referred to himself as the "ugliest man in baseball" during his career.{{cite web|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73625906/on-the-level/|title=On The Level|first=Lee|last=Dunbar|page=14|work=Oakland Tribune|via=Newspapers.com |date=August 17, 1943 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} According to one story told about him, a fan in Little Rock asked to shake Dickshot's hand and approach the stands with him, telling him "I want my wife to see you, so she'll appreciate me".{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74526354/along-the-sport-trail/|title=Along The Sport Trail|first=Maurice|last=Corken|work=The Rock Island Argus|page=16|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 5, 1935|access-date=March 27, 2021}} Dickshot had a sense of humor about this, once saying: "Don't mind my looks; I've got personality".{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74526016/down-the-old-sports-trail/|title=Down The Old Sports Trail|agency=Associated Press|work=The Daily American|page=2|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 5, 1937|access-date=March 27, 2021}} When people joked about his looks while he was with the Giants, Dickshot said, "Boys, I'm like a mountain, big, rugged and in my way – beautiful!"{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74527953/daily-news/|title=The Powerhouse|first=Jimmy|last=Powers|work=New York Daily News|page=83|via=Newspapers.com|date=March 3, 1940|access-date=March 27, 2021}}

Choosing the "All-Ugly Team" for each league was an annual tradition in minor league baseball, and Dickshot was named to the Southern Association's All-Ugly team in 1935.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73625988/on-the-first-hop/|title=On The First Hop|first=Marvin|last=Thomson|page=8|work=The Knoxville Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 19, 1935|access-date=January 25, 2021}} The next year, Dickshot named the members of the International League's "All-Ugly" team; he chose himself as the left fielder and team captain.{{cite web|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73626038/sports-stewserved-hot/|title=Sports Stew–Served Hot|page=22|work=The Pittsburgh Press|via=Newspapers.com|date=July 14, 1936 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} When he played for Pittsburgh, the media began to call him "The Ugly Duckling".{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74527468/pirate-personalities/|title=Pirate Personalities|first=Chilly|last=Doyle|work=Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph|page=32|via=Newspapers.com|date=April 1, 1938|access-date=March 27, 2021}} Mike Ryba named Dickshot to the International League's "All-Ugly" team in 1939.{{cite web|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73626094/homely-mike-ryba-presents-all-ugly/|title=Homely Mike Ryba Presents All-Ugly (Looking) Team|page=19|work=Democrat and Chronicle|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 19, 1939 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} Dickshot continued the tradition in the PCL in 1941{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73626254/dickshot-picks-ugly-ducklings/ |title=Dickshot Picks Ugly Ducklings|first=Alan|last=Ward|page=16|work=Oakland Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|date=July 3, 1941 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} and 1943.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73626168/names-coast-all-ugly/|title=Names Coast 'All-Ugly'|agency=International News Service|page=19|work=The Pasadena Post|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 15, 1943 |access-date=January 24, 2021}}

Personal life

Dickshot married Julie (née Kuzmickus) of Waukegan on October 12, 1936.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73625702/dickshot-buc-rookie-outfielder-to-wed/|title=Dickshot, Buc Rookie Outfielder, To Wed|page=20|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|via=Newspapers.com|date=October 1, 1936 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} They had one son and four daughters. During the baseball offseasons, Dickshot continued to work in the steel mill in Waukegan.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73625777/variety-of-jobs-pastimes-occupy-ball/|title=Variety of Jobs, Pastimes Occupy Ball Players During Winter Season|first=George|last=Kirksey |page=B3|work=Tampa Bay Times|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 22, 1940 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} After his retirement, Dickshot operated a tavern in Waukegan called Dickshot's Dugout{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73624766/man-known-by-company-he-keeps/ |title='Man Known by Company he Keeps'|first=John P.|last=Carmichael|page=24|work=Des Moines Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|date=January 9, 1963 |access-date=January 24, 2021}} and organized slowpitch exhibitions.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73624680/ex-major-leaguer-here-for-slowpitch/|title=Ex-Major Leaguer Here For Slowpitch Exhibition Sunday|page=6|work=Kenosha News|date=July 28, 1951|access-date=January 26, 2021|via=Newspapers.com}}

Dickshot died in his home on November 4, 1997.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/73624600/obituary-for-johnny-dickshot-aged-87/ |title=Johnny Dickshot|page=11|work=Chicago Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 7, 1997 |access-date=January 24, 2021}}