Background
He was born in Birmingham, Alabama.
He was born in Birmingham, Alabama.
Listed at 6 feet 3 inches (191 m) tall and 205 pounds (93 kg), Atkins batted left-handed and threw right-handed. Atkins" pro career began in 1941 and was interrupted from 1942-1945 by his service as a United States Marine in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World World War World War II In a two-season MLB career, Atkins posted a 0–1 record with a 3.60 European Research Area, two strikeouts, 15 hits allowed and 11 bases on balls in 15 innings of work in four appearances (one as a starter). In his lone start, on April 21, 1952, at Fenway Park against the Washington Senators, Atkins allowed only three hits and two earned runs in 7⅓ innings.
He also went two for three as a batter.
But he surrendered five bases on balls and was the losing pitcher in a 3–2 Washington victory. He died in Hanceville, Alabama, at the age of 87.