The Pride of St. Louis

The Pride of St. Louis

Year: 1952

Runtime: 93 mins

Language: English

Director: Harmon Jones

Drama

The Story of Dizzy Dean! The story of Jerome “Dizzy” Dean, a major-league baseball pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs in the 1930s and 1940s.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Pride of St. Louis yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – The Pride of St. Louis (1952)

Trace every key event in The Pride of St. Louis (1952) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Scout assesses Dean and assigns him to the minors

A Cardinals scout arrives in a small Ozarks town to evaluate Jerome 'Dizzy' Dean. He is impressed by Dean's confidence and raw talent but unexpectedly assigns him to the Houston Buffaloes in the minor leagues. Dean assumes this means the club wants him to start in the major leagues, not in the minors.

early career Ozarks town
2

New suits and romance with Pat Nash

Dean is teased for his rustic clothes, so he visits a department store to buy a sharper look. There he meets Patricia Nash, a credit officer he pursues with gusto. Their budding romance becomes a persistent thread through his career.

shortly after arrival Department store
3

Exhibition game; almost perfect performance; nickname emerges

During an exhibition between the Buffaloes and the Chicago White Sox, Dean delivers an almost perfect game. He spots Pat with another man, which unsettles him briefly. Reporters nicknamed him 'Dizzy' as his bravado and talent attract attention.

before spring training Buffaloes–White Sox exhibition field
4

Dean proposes to Pat

Dean asks Pat to elope and marry him, displaying his impulsive, romantic nature. Pat is surprised but agrees to marry him, tying her fate to his rising fame. The engagement foreshadows the high personal stakes of his baseball life.

5

Spring training call-up and brotherly chaos

Dean is summoned to spring training with the Cardinals, buoyed by his status. His brother Paul joins him in St. Louis, turning the Dean brothers into a local spectacle as ushers, ticket sellers, and mascots. Their antics energize the team but eventually draw the manager's ire.

spring training St. Louis
6

Fined by manager; Dean goes on strike

Their behavior leads to a fine from manager Frankie Frisch, triggering Dizzy's strike. He refuses to back down, prompting Pat to urge him to grow up and compromise. Dizzy storms out of their apartment in a heated moment.

spring Cardinals clubhouse / apartment
7

Johnny Kendall's encounter; strike ends

Dean meets Johnny Kendall, a businessman who relies on crutches and a specially equipped car. Kendall's calm acceptance of his own handicap moves Dizzy and helps him reassess his priorities. This meeting helps end his strike and return to the team.

spring St. Louis
8

World Series victory with the Cardinals

With their charisma and talent, the Dean brothers help propel the Cardinals to a World Series victory. The season is defined by colorful antics, clutch performances, and the public's growing adoration. It marks the peak of Dizzy's early career.

World Series season St. Louis
9

Injury strikes; toe broken; risky comeback

A line drive breaks one of Dizzy's toes, prompting a return to pitching too soon despite warnings about further arm damage. The risky comeback further damages his pitching arm and reputation. Soon after, he loses his place on the Major League squad.

post-injury Baseball field
10

Decline and exile from professional baseball

Dizzy's performance declines and even a minor league team releases him. He turns to drinking and gambling in an attempt to forget his troubles. Pat leaves him, insisting she will not return until he 'grows up'.

after release St. Louis area
11

Radio broadcasting career begins

Desperate for work, Dizzy asks Johnny Kendall for a sales job but instead becomes a broadcaster for Johnny's radio station. His thick Arkansas drawl, colorful stories, and infectious humor make him an instant hit with listeners. The new career rejuvenates his public image.

post-baseball Radio station
12

Teachers oppose his presence; quits broadcasting

An irate group of teachers opposes his presence, claiming his poor English influences children. He quits broadcasting rather than capitulate to critics. On his final broadcast, he delivers heartfelt instructions to the children to pursue education.

final season Broadcast studio
13

Final broadcast inspires youth to learn

During his last on-air appearance, Dizzy urges children to pursue education, and the head of the teachers' committee praises his message. He respects the balance between teaching English and teaching baseball as Pat waits for him at home, signaling a hopeful closure to this chapter.

post-broadcast Radio station / home

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:27

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The Pride of St. Louis Summary

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The Pride of St. Louis Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Pride of St. Louis

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Pride of St. Louis

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