Listed at 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) and 230 pounds (100 kg), he batted and threw right-handed.

Lyon attended the Georgia School of Technology (Georgia Tech) where he played on the freshman college football and freshman college baseball teams.

"[4] He was one of many players who made their only major league appearances during World War II.

[8] On June 9, Cleveland sent Lyon and cash to the minor league Indianapolis Indians in exchange for catcher Norm Schlueter, who had prior major league experience with the Chicago White Sox.

[8] At the time of his death, he worked as a master mechanic; he was married and had three sons.