Pat Dobson

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Lore & Background

In 1971 Dobson had a winning streak of 12 games (including nine consecutive complete games) and a scoreless inning streak of 23. On September 24, he recorded his 20th win, a 7–0 shutout against the Indians. Dobson posted a 20–8, 187K, 2.90 season record, and was part of the Orioles' 'Big Four' pitching staff along with Dave McNally (21–5), Mike Cuellar (20–9), and Jim Palmer (20–9). Baltimore went on to win 101 games, with the distinction of having four 20-game winners in a season; no other team in MLB history has had four 20-game winners in a season.

In Their Own Story

The 1971 season was a turning point for Dobson after struggling to secure a rotation spot with the Detroit Tigers. Traded to Baltimore, he flourished as the staff ace. The highlight of his tenure came on September 24, 1971, when he recorded his 20th win in a shutout victory over the Indians. This achievement was part of a historic campaign where the Orioles won 101 games. Dobson's performance was so consistent that he earned an All-Star selection in 1972, improving his ERA to 2.65 despite finishing with a 16–18 record, tying for the American League lead in losses. His time in Baltimore ended on December 1, 1972, when he was traded to the Atlanta Braves along with Davey Johnson, Johnny Oates, and Roric Harrison in exchange for Earl Williams and Taylor Duncan.

Reader's Guide

Pat Dobson played for the Baltimore Orioles from 1971 to 1972. He was an All-Star in 1972. His 2.65 ERA that year was a major improvement from his 20-win season, but he went 16–18, tying for the AL lead in losses with Yankee Mel Stottlemyre. Fans should remember him for his durability and for being part of the only Orioles team with four 20-game winners.

Did You Know?

• Dobson was one of four Orioles pitchers to win 20 games in 1971, joining Dave McNally, Mike Cuellar, and Jim Palmer.
• No other team in MLB history has had four 20-game winners in a season.
• Dobson threw a no-hitter against the Yomiuri Giants in Tokyo on November 2, 1971, the first no-hit game in Japanese-American baseball exhibition history.