Eric Davis (baseball)

2.1. Childhood and Athletic Interests

Possessing immense all-around athletic talent from a young age, Davis competed in basketball with future Los Angeles Lakers player Byron Scott at Baldwin Hills Park and Recreation Center starting at age 12. His initial aspirations were centered on playing in the National Basketball Association (NBA). During his time at Baldwin Hills, Davis also formed a friendship with Darryl Strawberry, and their careers would later become intertwined, from high school to Major League Baseball.

Davis attended John C. Fremont High School in South Los Angeles, where he excelled in both basketball and baseball. Meanwhile, Strawberry played for crosstown rival Crenshaw. In his senior year of high school, Davis demonstrated remarkable baseball skills, batting .635 and stealing 50 bases in just 15 games. As a basketball player, he averaged 29 points and 10 assists per game. Despite his baseball talent, Davis initially invested more effort into preparing for a basketball career. However, he lacked interest in attending college, and since the customary path to an NBA career at the time was through playing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), he shifted his focus to baseball. The Cincinnati Reds selected Davis in the eighth round, 200th overall, of the 1980 Major League Baseball draft. Interestingly, Strawberry was chosen as the first overall selection by the New York Mets in the same draft.

3.1. Early Years and Rise with the Cincinnati Reds

In his first full year of professional baseball, Eric Davis stole 40 bases in 62 games, showcasing his remarkable speed. He made his major league debut with the Cincinnati Reds on May 19, 1984, at the age of 21. From his initial appearance, Davis's physical talents immediately projected him as one of the most exciting players in the game. He was recognized as a rare five-tool player, possessing significant home run power, exceptional speed on the base paths, and strong defensive skills. He frequently made spectacular plays, including robbing home runs, which drew comparisons to the legendary Willie Mays.

Davis began to truly excel in the 1986 season, where he batted .277 while hitting 27 home runs and stealing 80 bases, earning him membership in the 20-50 club. He and Rickey Henderson remain the only players in major league history to be members of the 20 home run, 80 stolen base club. Over a remarkable 162-game period spanning from June 11, 1986, to July 4, 1987, Davis posted an impressive batting line of .308 batting average, .406 on-base percentage, and .622 slugging percentage, along with 47 home runs, 149 runs scored, 123 RBI, and 98 stolen bases, while being caught stealing only 12 times.

3.2. Peak Performance and World Series Championship

Davis continued to build on his burgeoning success in the 1987 season. On Opening Day, he went 3-for-3, hitting a home run, stealing a base, and drawing two walks. Through the first 10 games of the season, he was batting an astounding .526 with 4 home runs and 8 stolen bases. On May 1, 1987, he hit two home runs, including a grand slam. Just two days later, on May 3, he hit another three home runs-one each to left, center, and right field-one of which was also a grand slam, and added another stolen base. He hit yet another grand slam later that month, making him the first player in history to hit three grand slams in a single month. During a game at Wrigley Field on September 4, Davis suffered a setback when he crashed into the outfield brick wall while making a deep fly ball catch, which slowed him down afterward.

Davis concluded the 1987 season with a .293 batting average, 37 home runs, and 50 stolen bases. He made history by becoming the first player to achieve at least 30 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, despite playing in only 129 games. Prior to 1987, only six players had entered the 30-30 club (30 home runs and 30 stolen bases). That season, three other players-including his childhood friend Darryl Strawberry, Joe Carter, and Howard Johnson-joined Davis in this elite club. Davis also led the league in power-speed number with a mark of 42.53, which stands as the third-highest single-season mark ever.

From 1986 to 1990, Davis consistently averaged 30 home runs and 40 stolen bases, solidifying his reputation as one of the game's most exciting and visible superstar players. During this period, he received MVP support annually, finishing in the top 15 in voting every year. From 1986 to 1989, he was also consistently among the National League's top 10 in home runs, slugging percentage, and OPS. On June 2, 1989, Davis achieved a rare feat by hitting for the cycle at home in Riverfront Stadium. While he would have other good seasons later in his career, persistent injuries prevented him from returning to this peak level of performance. In 1990, surrounded by a strong Reds team, Davis played a pivotal role in Cincinnati's "wire-to-wire" championship season.

One of Davis's most iconic moments occurred during the 1990 World Series when he hit a home run off Oakland's Dave Stewart in his very first World Series at-bat. This impactful home run helped trigger a four-game sweep for the Reds against the Athletics, securing the World Series title. However, during Game 4 of the Series, while diving for a ball, Davis suffered a severe laceration to his kidney, which necessitated surgery. He also underwent off-season surgery for a knee injury he had sustained earlier in the season.

3.3. Post-Reds Career and Injury Struggles

Following the 1990 World Series victory, Eric Davis found it challenging to regain the trajectory of his career due to a series of injuries. His play in 1991 was significantly hampered, leading to his trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Tim Belcher and John Wetteland after the season concluded. In 1992, he continued to struggle with multiple injuries and was largely ineffective on the field.

On August 23, 1993, the Dodgers traded Davis to the Detroit Tigers for a player to be named later, with pitcher John DeSilva completing the trade a week subsequent. The Tigers, who had one of the league's top offenses in 1993, were looking to strengthen their center field position. Davis, replacing Milt Cuyler, batted relatively well in his 29 games with the Tigers, often hitting fifth or sixth in the lineup, and finished the season with an adjusted OPS of 142, marking his sixth season with at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases. Although he was expected to be the Tigers' primary center fielder in 1994, injuries, including a herniated disc in May, severely limited him to just 37 games and a batting average of only .183. Following the strike-shortened 1994 season, Davis was granted free agency by the Tigers and made the decision to retire from baseball.

3.4. Comeback and Battle with Cancer

After taking a year to recuperate, Eric Davis felt healthy enough to return to baseball, rejoining the Cincinnati Reds in 1996. He had a solid comeback season, batting .287 with 26 home runs, despite injuries still affecting his playing time. His strong performance, however, was enough to convince the Baltimore Orioles to sign him as a free agent.

In May 1997, while in the midst of an impressive start that saw him leading the American League in batting in April (and being named the league's Week MVP in the fourth week of April with a batting average of .560, 5 home runs, and 13 RBI), Davis's numbers began to decline rapidly. Shortly thereafter, he complained of abdominal pain, and although doctors initially diagnosed an abscess, an X-ray revealed a baseball-sized colon cancer. Fortunately, no metastasis was found. On June 13, Davis underwent a colon resection, followed by weekly medication. His teammates rallied in support, wearing his number "24" on their hats and helmets and expressing their determination to win for him.

Despite an initial prognosis of 18 months for full recovery, Davis recuperated at an accelerated pace, returning to the team on September 15, 1997, even while still undergoing treatment. Although cancer treatment left him fatigued, he diligently worked to regain his form. In a remarkable moment, he hit a game-winning home run in the 1997 American League Championship Series. After the season, on October 22, 1997, during Game 4 of the World Series at Jacobs Field, he was awarded the Roberto Clemente Award for his courage and humanitarian contributions. Davis actively contributed to cancer centers in Los Angeles and Baltimore, and provided support to Orioles great Boog Powell, who was diagnosed with colon cancer shortly after Davis. Both underwent surgery by Dr. Keith Lillimoe and collaborated on a series of public service announcements.

Davis was brought back for the 1998 season and experienced one of his best statistical seasons. He batted .327, which ranked 4th in the American League, and hit 28 home runs, eclipsing the 25-home run mark for the second time in three seasons. He finished among the top 10 in the league for batting average, slugging percentage, on-base percentage, OPS, and offensive win percentage. That season, he also achieved a 30-consecutive-game hitting streak, which was the longest streak of the 1998 baseball season and established a new record for the Baltimore Orioles.

3.5. Final Seasons and Retirement

The culmination of injuries began to take its toll on Eric Davis's career starting in 1999. He spent three injury-plagued seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants before ultimately retiring from professional baseball for good in 2001.

4.1. Playing Characteristics and Impact

Davis's unique skill set included impressive foot speed, explosive bat speed, and remarkable defensive acumen in the outfield. His ability to hit home runs with power while also stealing bases at a high rate made him a thrilling and impactful player. He earned comparisons to baseball legends like Willie Mays for his talent in robbing home runs with acrobatic catches in the outfield. According to his former Reds teammate Paul O'Neill, Davis was "the best hitter, best runner, best outfielder, best everything" he had ever witnessed. This combination of abilities solidified his legacy as one of the greatest power/speed players in the history of Major League Baseball, profoundly influencing the game during his era.

4.2. Awards and Notable Records

Eric Davis accumulated numerous individual awards and achieved rare statistical milestones throughout his career:

• Awards**:
  • 2x Silver Slugger Award (1987, 1989)
  • 3x Gold Glove Award (1987, 1988, 1989)
  • Roberto Clemente Award (1997)
  • National League Comeback Player of the Year Award (1996)
  • Hutch Award (1997)
  • Tony Conigliaro Award (1997)
  • Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award (2000)
  • Home Run Derby champion (1989, shared with Rubén Sierra)
• Statistical Achievements and Records**:
  • Tied for 4th all-time in seasons with at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases, achieving this feat seven times, surpassing both Willie Mays and Hank Aaron.
  • Became one of only two players in Major League Baseball history, alongside Rickey Henderson, to achieve the 20 home run, 80 stolen base club (1986).
  • In 1987, he became the first player in history to hit 30 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. This rare combination has only been achieved three other times in MLB history: by Barry Bonds in 1990, Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2023, and Shohei Ohtani in 2024.
  • Joined the 30-30 club (30 home runs and 30 stolen bases) in 1987, becoming the eighth player in history to do so.
  • Made history in May 1987 by becoming the first player in MLB history to hit three grand slams in a single month.
  • Hit for the cycle once, on June 2, 1989, at Riverfront Stadium.
  • Recorded a 30-consecutive-game hitting streak in 1998, which was the longest streak of that baseball season and established a new Baltimore Orioles franchise record.
  • Selected for the MLB All-Star Game two times (1987, 1989).

5.1. Autobiography and Personal Reflections

In 1999, Eric Davis published his autobiography, Born to Play, which he co-authored with Ralph Wiley. In the book, Davis credited Pete Rose, his former manager, for having faith in him and for teaching him valuable lessons about the game of baseball. However, he also expressed strong criticism toward Ray Knight, who was the Cincinnati Reds manager in 1996, and with whom Davis had a notable on-field altercation in 1986. Davis claimed that Knight did not provide sufficient support during his comeback attempt in 1996 and failed to advocate for him during contract negotiations after that season.

Davis also conveyed lingering bitterness regarding the Cincinnati Reds' treatment of him following his kidney injury during the 1990 World Series. He asserted that after being released from the hospital in Oakland, he requested a private plane from the Reds to return to Cincinnati, but his request was allegedly refused multiple times, forcing him to arrange his own way home.

5.2. Coaching and Community Involvement

After his playing career, Eric Davis transitioned into coaching and community work within baseball. He currently serves as a roving instructor within the Cincinnati Reds organization, contributing to the development of young players. As of 2017, he was also working as a hitting instructor for the Elite Development Invitational in Vero Beach, Florida. Beyond coaching, Davis is actively involved in efforts to promote increased baseball participation among African American youth, demonstrating his continued commitment to the sport and its future.

6.1. Broader Impact and Recognition

Davis's enduring influence within the sport is largely due to his unique blend of elite athleticism and skill, which established him as a prototype for the "power-speed" player. His career, marked by a constant battle against injuries and a triumphant return after a cancer diagnosis, solidified his reputation for remarkable resilience and determination. This ability to overcome adversity earned him widespread respect and recognition for his character, which resonated deeply with fans and fellow athletes alike, making him an inspirational figure beyond his on-field contributions.

6.2. In Popular Culture

Eric Davis holds a significant place in popular culture, notably as the childhood idol of comedian Ron Sexton. Sexton's most famous character from The Bob and Tom Show, Donnie Baker, frequently appeared wearing Davis's #44 Reds jersey and often declared Davis to be the most complete player he had ever seen. Donnie Baker notably claimed to have placed a curse on former Reds owner Marge Schott after she "did Eric dirty" following the 1990 World Series. According to Donnie, his alleged curse worked, and every April 20, he would initiate his 'One Beer Press Conference' with a celebration marking the day Schott sold the team, followed by "A mandatory moment of silence out of respect for the great Eric Davis." In humorous exchanges with his unseen "neighbor to the north," Tony Mitchell, Donnie would assert that he would "crush Mitchell like Eric Davis crushed fastballs." In real life, Ron Sexton paid tribute to Davis by naming his first son Eric. Additionally, Sexton's non-profit organization, 'You Before Me - 44,' is named in part to honor Davis, with "44" being a direct nod to his jersey number. This foundation supports comedians struggling with mental health and also funds baseball scholarships.