Class of 1998

Pat Dobson Pitcher Major League Baseball

A star pitcher at Lancaster Central High School, Depew native Pat Dobson caught the eye of the legendary scout (and fellow Western New Yorker) Cy Williams in 1960. After signing with the Detroit Tigers, Pat persevered through 9 minor league stops to arrive in the majors in 1968. Pat was a key contributor on the Detroit Tigers World Championship Team in 1968, fortifying the bullpen during the stretch drive. After a brief layover in San Diego and a 14 win season with the second year Padres, Dobson blossomed with the Orioles.

In 1971, Pat was one of a record four twenty-game winners on the Baltimore staff, and later that season, had the honor of starting the first night game in World Series history against the Pittsburgh Pirates. That game was one of six Series games in which Dobson appeared. Sixteen more wins, and an All-Star Game appearance, followed the subsequent season. In fact, from 1970 to 1972, Pat averaged 39 starts, 17 wins and 267 innings per season, and the six foot two right hander was one of the most durable and reliable pitchers in the majors.

After a short stint with the Braves, Pat compiled a 19-15 season with the Yankees in 1974. Always a master of the curveball, Dobson used superb control and veteran wiles to keep opposing hitters off-balance, and help keep his team in the pennant race all season. Dobson finished out his 11-year career with his 11th major-league team, the Indians in 1978.

He retired with a career record of 122-129, and with the distinction of becoming the first American pitcher to toss a no-hitter in Japan.

Pat left behind a reputation not only as a hard-working overachiever, but also as, according to at least one writer, "possibly the funniest man who ever wore a baseball uniform." Dobson seemed determined to fully enjoy his time in the bigs, and from all accounts he succeeded, livening every clubhouse he entered. In 1998, Pat is presented with the chance to "enjoy" his accomplishments again with a well-deserved induction into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.