Claude "Steel Arm" Dickey (June 2, 1896 – March 11, 1923) was a Negro leagues pitcher for the first Negro Southern League and Negro National League. Researchers currently believe his real name is Claude Dickey, based on census records and World War I draft registration cards. Newspaper reports show he appears as Walter Claude, John Claude, and Jean Claude. Many reports simply call him Steel Arm Dickey.
Dickey had a short career, dying at the age of 26 in Etowah, Tennessee.
According to his death certificate, Dickey was killed after he was shot by a pistol. News reports later noted Dickey was killed by a knife. Either way, the medical examiner noted he died from a loss of blood, that he was wounded in the neck, and there was extensive damage to his esophagus. He also ruled the death a homicide. The informant appears to be a family member, Martin Dickey.
Dickey was buried in the New Zion Cemetery in Etowah, Tennessee.[1]