Leo Dixon

Leo Moses Dixon (September 4, 1894 – April 11, 1984) was an American professional baseball player. His playing career as a catcher spanned 10 seasons, including four in Major League Baseball. Over his major league career, he played with the St. Louis Browns (1925–27) and the Cincinnati Reds. His strong throwing arm attracted the attention of Jack Hendricks, then the manager of the Indianapolis Indians of the American Association. His solid defensive abilities as a catcher helped the Saints win the 1924 American Association pennant. Browns manager, George Sisler said that he would be the team's starting catcher. On March 13, it was announced that he had "wired for transportation", meaning that he was reporting to spring training with the Browns.

Dixon made his major league debut on April 14, 1925, at the age of 30. During 1926 spring training, The Evening Independent noted that Dixon was regarded as "one of the smartest receivers in the American League". He was also cited along with future Hall of Fame member, Mickey Cochrane, as one of the best young catchers in major league baseball. In February 1926, the Browns acquired veteran catcher Wally Schang who would take over as their starting catcher, while Dixon took a role as a backup catcher. He spent his last season with the Browns in 1927, once again backing up Schang. On the season, Dixon batted .194 with six runs, 20 hits, three doubles, one triple and 12 RBIs in 36 games. With the Orioles, he hit for a .268 average with 79 hits, 12 doubles, three triples and three home runs in 102 games. He was reunited with his former manager, Jack Hendricks, who was then the manager for the Reds. On March 25, 1929, Hendricks announced that he intended to keep Dixon on the 25-man roster going into the season. He served as the third-string catcher behind Johnny Gooch and Clyde Sukeforth during the season. Dixon only managed a .167 batting average with five hits, two doubles and two runs batted in. With the Senators that season, Dixon batted .251 with 73 hits, 11 doubles and four triples in 100 games. At the age of 37, he was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates in May 1932, however, he did not make an appearance with the team.

Career statistics In a four-year major league career, Dixon played in 159 games, accumulating 88 hits in 427 at bats for a .206 career batting average, along with 1 home run, 41 runs batted in and an on-base percentage of .291. Over his minor league career, Dixon batted .245 with 427 hits, 72 doubles, 21 triples and 14 home runs in 572 games.

Later life Dixon worked as a clerk in his father's hardware store during the off-season. He died on April 11, at the age of 89 in Chicago, Illinois. Dixon was buried at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery in Worth, Illinois.