His real name was George Henry Paskert, but everyone called him Dode. No one knows for sure the origin of Paskert's nickname, but more than likely it was a dig at his perceived low intelligence. The English Dialect Dictionary, published in 1900, describes a "dode" as a "slow [witted] person," and a scattering of press accounts confirm that Paskert was considered stupid.

He was a pretty good player for the Phillies when the Cubs acquired him in 1918, but he came at a high price. Cy Williams, who they traded for him, became a big star for Philadelphia--one of the best players of the era (he won three home run titles for Philly). Dode Paskert, on the other hand, didn't do much. He did start in centerfield and had a good year in 1918--when the Cubs made it to the World Series. (Although he only hit .190 in that series). But Dode didn't have much left in the tank after that. He retired after the 1920 season.