Joe Dobson

Joseph Gordon Dobson
(Burrhead)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 197 lb.
• High School Durant (OK) High School
• Debut April 26, 1939
• Final Game April 30, 1954
• Born January 20, 1917 in Durant, OK USA
• Died June 23, 1994 in Jacksonville, FL USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Known for his great curveball, Joe Dobson pitched 14 seasons in the majors and was a member of the Boston Red Sox rotation for most of the 1940s.

As a child, Dobson lost his left thumb and one finger while playing with dynamite. He began his big league career with the Cleveland Indians in 1939 and was traded to the Red Sox following the 1940 campaign. During his first season in Boston, he was Ted Williams' personal batting practice pitcher (the year in which Williams hit .406), and Dobson credited much of his later success to Williams.

After serving in the Army during World War II from January 1944 to February 1946, he returned to the Red Sox and put up his best seasons. In the 1946 World Series, he started Game 5 and hurled a four-hit complete game shutout to take the win. In 1947, he won a career-high 18 games, and he was an American League All-Star in 1948.

Dobson was dealt to the Chicago White Sox after the 1950 season and went on to win 14 games and post a career-best 2.51 ERA in 1952. However, after posting just 5 wins in 1953, he was released by Chicago. He went on to end his big league career with the Red Sox in 1954.

After his playing days ended, Dobson was a minor league executive. He died of cancer at age 77.

Notable Achievements

• AL All-Star (1948)
• 15 Wins Seasons: 3 (1947, 1948 & 1950)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 5 (1947-1950 & 1952)

Related Sites

• Joe Dobson at the SABR Bio Project