Biography
Brandon Dickson (born November 3, 1984) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Orix Buffaloes of the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Career
Minor leagues
Dickson was signed as an undrafted free agent by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2006, after attending Tusculum College. In 2006, playing for the New Market Rebels in the Valley Baseball League, Dickson had a league-leading and franchise record 13 saves, and led the league in wins, going 5-0 in 26 relief appearances.In 2007, with Quad Cities, Dickson‘s statline included an 11–7 win–loss record, with one save, and a 3.50 earned run average (ERA), in 31 games pitched (23 as a starting pitcher), covering 144 innings.In 2009, with Springfield, Dickson was 8–10, with a 3.78 ERA, 28 games (20 starts), in 147 2⁄3 innings.In 2010, with Memphis, Dickson was 11–8, with a 3.23 ERA, in 28 games (27 starts), covering 167 innings.In 2011, Dickson was invited to his first major league spring training, but did not make the big league club; he was assigned to the AAA Memphis Redbirds to begin the season.
St Louis Cardinals
Dickson’s contract was purchased by the Cardinals from Memphis on June 30, 2011, to fill the roster spot created by Ryan Franklin's release the previous day. Dickson made his major league debut on July 2, 2011, against the Tampa Bay Rays, pitching a perfect 1 2⁄3 innings in relief. He posted 2011 a 0–0 record, with a 3.24 ERA, in four games (one game started).Dickson was released by the Cardinals on November 19, 2012.
Orix Buffaloes
On December 27, 2012, Dickson signed with the Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).On September 27, 2015, Dickson signed a 1-year extension to remain with the Buffaloes.On September 5, 2017, Dickson signed a 1-year extension to remain with the Buffaloes.With the conclusion of the 2019 season — Dickson’s seventh year with the NPB Buffaloes — he had an overall record of 49-55, with 18 saves, and a 3.26 ERA. In 882 2⁄3 innings pitched, Dickson recorded 661 strikeouts.On December 20, 2019, Dickson signed a 1-year extension to remain with the Buffaloes.
International career
On October 10, 2019, Dickson was selected to play with the United States national baseball team at the 2019 WBSC Premier 12. He tied for the tournament lead in the tournament with Japan national baseball team’s Yasuaki Yamasaki, with three saves, and was named the best reliever in the tournament.
Awards and honors
2007 Midwest League (A) Mid-Season All-Star 2010 Pacific Coast League (AAA) Mid-Season All-Star