The Oregonian was selected from the Pirates organization during the minor league phase of the 1961 expansion draft. He made the Colt .45s in July of 1963, posting an 0-1 record with a 6.14 ERA and two saves in 13 games. He was dealt to Cincinnati after the season as part of the deal to acquire Eddie Kasko. Dickson spent a year with the Reds before spending his final two big league seasons in Kansas City.