Dobson made his MLB debut on September 9, 1966, with the Kansas City Athletics. His early years in the league were marked by his development as a reliable starting pitcher. In 1967, he became a regular in the Athletics' rotation, showcasing his potential by posting a 10-10 record with a 4.44 ERA. As the team transitioned to Oakland in 1968, Dobson continued to be an integral part of the pitching staff. That year, he improved his performance, achieving a 12-14 record and a 3.00 ERA, helping the Athletics to a second-place finish in the American League West.
The 1969 season was a standout year for Dobson. He recorded a career-high 15 wins against 13 losses and maintained a 3.81 ERA. His ability to pitch deep into games was evident as he completed 10 games that season. Dobson's performance contributed to the Athletics' competitive presence in the league, and he became known for his durability and consistency on the mound.
In 1970, Dobson continued to be a mainstay in the Athletics' rotation, posting a 16-15 record with a 3.74 ERA. His efforts were instrumental in the team's third-place finish in the division. However, the following year, his performance began to decline. In 1971, he managed an 8-12 record with a 4.25 ERA, and injuries started to take a toll on his career.
Despite these challenges, Dobson was part of the Athletics' roster during their successful run in the early 1970s. He was with the team when they won the American League West division title in 1971, although he did not pitch in the postseason. The following year, Dobson was traded to the California Angels, where he hoped to revitalize his career.
With the Angels, Dobson faced ongoing struggles with injuries, which limited his effectiveness on the mound. In 1972, he appeared in only 10 games, posting a 1-6 record with a 4.92 ERA. His time with the Angels was marked by attempts to regain his form, but persistent injuries hindered his ability to perform consistently.
Dobson's career in the major leagues concluded after the 1975 season. Over his ten-year career, he compiled a 74-69 win-loss record, a 3.78 ERA, and 758 strikeouts in 1,184 innings pitched. While his career was impacted by injuries, Dobson's early years with the Athletics demonstrated his potential as a dependable starting pitcher.
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