Dicta Johnson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dicta Johnson |
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| Spitball Pitcher | |||
| Born: June 29, 1887 Elizabethtown, Illinois |
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Louis "Dicta" Johnson was an amazing American baseball pitcher. He was born on June 29, 1887. Dicta was famous for his special "spitball" pitch. He played baseball from 1908 until 1923. Most of his career was spent with the Indianapolis ABCs and the Chicago American Giants. He was a star in the Negro Leagues and in the years before they were officially formed.
A Star Pitcher
Dicta Johnson was known for his unique pitching style. He used a "spitball," which was a type of pitch. For this pitch, a pitcher would moisten the baseball. This made the ball move in unexpected ways. It was very hard for batters to hit!
Playing for Top Teams
Dicta Johnson played for many different baseball teams. His most important teams were the Indianapolis ABCs and the Chicago American Giants. These were some of the best teams in baseball at the time. They featured many talented African American players.
In 1910 and 1911, Dicta joined the St. Paul Colored Gophers. This team later became the Twin Cities Gophers. He played alongside other great players there. Some of his teammates included Candy Jim Taylor and Bobby Marshall. Bobby Marshall later became a legend in the College Football Hall of Fame!
A No-Hitter and More
Dicta Johnson had some incredible moments in his career. In 1913, he pitched a no-hitter for the Chicago American Giants. A no-hitter means the opposing team didn't get any hits during the entire game! This is a very rare and impressive achievement for a pitcher.
In 1918, Dicta also played for the 183rd Infantry Team. This shows that he continued to play baseball even during difficult times.
Later Career and Coaching
Towards the end of his playing career, Dicta Johnson also took on new roles. In 1922, he managed the Pittsburgh Keystones. The next year, in 1923, he managed the Toledo Tigers. For the Tigers, he was a player-coach. This means he played in games while also helping to lead and teach the team.
Dicta Johnson's career shows how important and skilled the players in the Negro Leagues were. He was a true baseball pioneer.
