D.J. Dozier

William Henry Dozier

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 202 lb.
• School Pennsylvania State University
• High School Kempsville High School
• Debut May 6, 1992
• Final Game October 4, 1992
• Born September 21, 1965 in Norfolk, VA USA

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Biographical Information

In addition to playing baseball, D.J. Dozier played professional football. His football career proved to be more successful, as he lasted 5 seasons in the National Football League between 1987 and 1992, playing for the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions. He currently resides in Virginia Beach, VA.

Dozier was originally drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 18th round in 1983 (459th overall). He opted not to sign and decided to go to college (Penn State), where he pursued his football career.

Out of Penn State in 1987, Dozier was selected by the Vikings 14th overall in the first round of the NFL draft. He rushed the ball 172 times in his five-year career for 691 yards, or a 4.0 average. In 1991, his final season, he average 5.3 yards a rush. He attempted one pass in his career, and he completed it. His career passer rating was as high as a passer rating can get: 158.3. He caught 33 career passes, averaging 9.1 yards a catch. He also fumbled the ball 4 times in his career. As a kick returner, he averaged 19.4 yards a return.

In 1990, the New York Mets signed him as an amateur free agent. He spent 1990 and 1991 in the minor leagues, where he showed good speed (he stole 33 bases with the St. Lucie Mets in 1990) and good pop (in 1990, he hit 13 home runs with St. Lucie). Dozier was number 44 on Baseball America's 1991 top 100 prospects list. He was number 99 on the 1992 version of that list. After spending some time in the minors in 1992, he was called up to the Major Leagues and made his debut on May 6th at the age of 26. On October 26th of that year he was traded with catcher Raul Casanova and pitcher Wally Whitehurst to the San Diego Padres for infielder Tony Fernandez. He wore number 7 when he was with the Mets.

Related Sites

• Pro-Football-Reference.com page