R.A. Dickey, Retired
Date of Birth: 10/29/1974
Birthplace: Nashville, Tennessee
College: University of Tennessee
R.A. Dickey, retired starting pitcher, has had a career in and out of the major and minor leagues since 1996 when he was drafted by the Texas Rangers. Dickey was called up to the majors by the Rangers in 2001 but he played in just four games with them that season. He spent seven years (2001-2006) with the Rangers organization and played in just 76 games with them. His only full season with the Rangers was in 2003 when he played in 38 games, with 116.2 innings pitched, a 5.09 ERA, 9-8 record, and 94 strikeouts to 38 walks.
Dickey spent the 2007 season in the minor leagues. In 2008, he was signed by the Seattle Mariners and he played in 32 games with them. The following season, Dickey pitched in 35 games for the Minnesota Twins. Next, Dickey moved to the New York Mets where he finally found success. In 2010, his first season with the Mets, he ended the season with an ERA of 2.84, an 11-9 record, and 104 strikeouts to 42 walks. The following season was another good one for the knuckleballer, but Dickey excelled in 2012, winning the Cy Young award for his achievements. In 34 games of 233.2 innings pitched, Dickey had a 2.73 ERA, 20-6 record, and 230 strikeouts to 54 walks.
In December, 2012, Dickey was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays. Shortly afterwards, he signed a two-year, $25 million contract extension that includes a Blue Jays option for 2016. He finished the 2014 season with a 14-13 record, 173 strikeouts to 74 walks, and a 3.71 ERA in 215.2 innings in 34 games.
In 2013, Dickey won a Gold Glove award for his fielding skills. In 34 games, he made 40 assists, 11 putouts, and just 2 errors.
Dickey pitched in 33 games in 2015. He finished the season with an 11-11 record, 126 strikeouts to 61 walks, and a 3.91 ERA in 214.1 innings. He pitched 6.1 innings in 2 postseason games and he gave up 9 hits, including 2 home runs, and 5 earned runs.
On November 3, 2015, the Blue Jays exercised Dickey's $12 million option for 2016. He pitched in 30 games in 2016 and he finished the season with a 4.46 ERA, 10 wins to 15 losses, and 126 strikeouts to 63 walks in 169.2 innings. He didn't play in the postseason.
Dickey signed with the Atlanta Braves for the 2017 season on November 10, 2016. He finished the 2017 season with a 4.26 ERA, 10 wins to 10 losses, and 136 strikeouts to 67 walks in 190.0 innings in 31 games.
Dickey became a free agent on November 2, 2017. He retired in 2018.
Career pitching statistics for Dickey through 2017 include:
- 400 games played
- 2,073.2 innings pitched
- 120-118 win-loss record
- 1,477 strikeouts to 663 walks
- 4.04 ERA
Charitable Work
Dickey has assisted the Honoring the Father Ministries in Ocala, Florida. In December, 2011, he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to aid the Bombay Teen Challenge.
Personal Life
In 2012, Dickey wrote about the sexual abuse he suffered as a child and teenager in his autobiography, "Wherever I Wind Up."
Dickey and his wife have two sons and two daughters.
Sources for Information
Wikipedia - R.A. Dickey
ESPN Sports - R.A. Dickey