Dixon was a slugging outfielder who played on many of the great Negro League teams of the 1920s and 1930s. He combined power, average, and speed to pose a triple threat. His range and fine throwing arm made him a top defensive outfielder. He played hard and was known as a ferocious slider.
In 1929 Dixon played with the Baltimore Black Sox, Negro American League champions. He batted .382 with seven home runs, and led the league with six triples. In 1930, taking part in the first game played between black teams in Yankee Stadium, Dixon launched three HR into the right field seats. In 1932, he became part of one of the finest black teams ever assembled, Gus Greenlee‘s barnstorming Pittsburgh Crawfords. Playing beside Hall of Famers Satchel Paige, Oscar Charleston, Judy Johnson, Josh Gibson, and Cool Papa Bell, Dixon held his own, batting .343 with 15 HR.
Dixon was selected to the inaugural East-West all-star game, in 1933, and in it stole a base, scored two runs, and had an RBI. He helped the Philadelphia Stars capture the Negro National League championship in 1934. He hit .344 in 1935, his last year as a regular. In 26 games against white major leaguers, he compiled a .372 average.