Born in Chicago, Dixon began his professional baseball career in 1920 at the age of 25 with the Moline Plowboys of the Three-I League.

[1][2] His strong throwing arm attracted the attention of Jack Hendricks, then the manager of the Indianapolis Indians of the American Association.

[2] Given a chance to play every day with the Saints in 1924, Dixon posted a .272 batting average with 10 home runs in 149 games.

[2] Dixon's performance earned him a promotion to the major leagues when on January 4, 1925, the Saints traded him to the St. Louis Browns in exchange for Norm McMillan, Pat Collins, Ray Kolp and US$35,000 ($608,083 in today's standards).

[1][7] During 1926 spring training, The Evening Independent noted that Dixon was regarded as "one of the smartest receivers in the American League".

[8] He was also cited along with future Hall of Fame member, Mickey Cochrane, as one of the best young catchers in major league baseball.

[1] Dixon's strong throwing arm was made evident in 1927, when he led American League catchers with a baserunners caught stealing percentage of 51.4%.

[20] Over his minor league career, Dixon batted .245 with 427 hits, 72 doubles, 21 triples and 14 home runs in 572 games.