Dobson was born in Durant, Oklahoma. At the age of nine, he lost his thumb and left forefinger playing with a dynamite cap, but it didn't keep him from reaching the majors, and playing with the Indians. After two seasons in Cleveland he was sent to Boston. In a 14-season career, Dobson compiled a 137-103 record with 992 strikeouts, a 3.62 ERA, 112 complete games, 22 shutouts, 18 saves, and 2170 innings in 414 games (273 as a starter). Joe Dobson died in Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 77.