He was known for his vast array of pitches and deliveries — one of his managers, Eddie Dyer, nicknamed him "Thomas Edison" for his inventiveness — and for the longevity of his career.

Born in Tracy, Missouri, Dickson graduated from Leavenworth High School and entered professional baseball and the vast Cardinal farm system in 1937.

(Thus Dickson accounted for 31 percent of Pirate victories in 1951, and a full one-third of the team's wins in 1952.)

Late in his career, however, Dickson experienced renewed success with a return to the Cardinals (1956–57) and as a relief pitcher in the American League (AL) for the Kansas City Athletics and New York Yankees (1958–59).

He retired from the game at age 43 with a career mark of 172 victories, 181 losses (.487) and an earned run average of 3.66 over 18 seasons, 625 appearances and 3,0521⁄3 innings pitched.