 He was born in Birmingham, Alabama.Atkins' pro career began in 1941 and was interrupted from 1942 to 1945 by his service as a United States Marine in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II.In a two-season MLB career, Atkins posted a 0–1 record with a 3.60 ERA, two strikeouts, 15 hits allowed and 11 bases on balls in 15 innings of work in four appearances (one as a starter).