Hobby Oddities: Dizzy Dean “Ole Diz” Charcoal Briquettes

Now this is a conversation starter for any collection.

When grilling this summer, don’t forget to use Dizzy Dean’s “Ole Diz” charcoal briquettes.

After a Hall of Fame baseball career legendary pitcher Dizzy Dean got involved with lots of different things. Broadcasting played a big role starting in 1941 and going until the late 1960s.

Serving as Vice-President of Dizzy Dean Enterprises, Dizzy Dean announced in 1961 they would build a $350,000 charcoal briquette plant in Pachuta, MS. When fully operational the plant produced 10,000 tons of charcoal briquettes per year. Various flavors of charcoal and other items used for outdoor cooking eventually came along later. This even includes Dizzy Dean branded lighter fluid.

Dizzy Dean is far from the first former professional athlete to have his likeness used to sell products. Its possible to still find unopened bags of his charcoal today. Flattened and empty bags are much more common. This makes them easier to store. Full bags are notorious for leaving dust everywhere.

Card of the Day: Dizzy Trout 1953 Topps #169

Card of the Day: Dizzy Dean 2007 UD Sweet Spot Jersey