Willie Davis was a local high school track star whose gear for speed that few in the history of the sport have ever matched. Taking over center field from the legendary Duke Snider, he stepped into a role that demanded both elite production and a massive personality to match the Hollywood backdrop. 

It was a rapid ascent from raw prospect to run-scoring catalyst.  Davis demonstrated a specialized ability to manufacture runs alongside Maury Wills, forming a high-caliber "table-setting" duo that helped pave the way for the Dodgers' success. By 1962, he had already established a high ceiling, recording 21 home runs, 103 runs, and 32 stolen bases. This early stretch gave the organization the high-stakes speed needed to capture World Series titles in 1963 and 1965, with Davis delivering key RBIs in the '63 clincher and a then-record three steals in a single '65 Series game.

He matured into a professional mainstay during the late 60s and early 70s. In 1969, he authored a franchise-record 31-game hitting streak, a masterpiece of offensive efficiency that still stands over 50 years later. He evolved into a technical master of the outfield, earning three consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1971 to 1973. While he was often criticized for a "free-spirited" approach to the game, his efficiency was undeniable; he led the league in triples twice and maintained a high volume of at least 20 steals in 11 separate seasons for the Dodgers.

Despite his outstanding contributions, his legacy is occasionally overshadowed by a problematic inning in the 1966 World Series, a brief struggle that dimmed a career marked by defensive excellence. He demonstrated remarkable durability for the organization, playing over 140 games in nearly every full season with the Blue before being traded to Montreal following the 1973 season.

With the Dodgers (1960–1973), Davis compiled 2,091 hits, 154 home runs, 335 stolen bases, and a .279 batting average, but for the purposes of Notinhalloffame, he is an anomaly as he was a man with a career bWAR over 60, who was left off the Hall of Fame ballot completely. 

Willie Davis played most of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he did an excellent job at the top of the order and defensively in Centerfield.

Davis first made the Dodgers roster in 1960, and he would eventually replace the legendary Duke Snider in Centerfield.  He was one of the fastest baseball players, who used to chase down balls in the outfield and befuddle opponents on the base paths.  Early in his career, he helped the Dodgers win two World Series Championships (1963 & 1965), and in the early 70s, he won three Gold Gloves. 

Davis had 13 20-plus stolen base years, with a total of 398.  Twice leading the National League in Triples, he would go to two All-Star Games.  He finished his career with brief stints in Montreal, Texas, St. Louis, San Diego, and California, and he retired in 1979 with 2,571 Hits and 182 Home Runs.  

As for the Baseball Hall of Fame, Willie Davis never received a vote, but that was primarily because he wasn't even on the ballot!  Davis had to be considered the best player in the modern era, yet never received a slot on the Hall of Fame ballot.

The Chairman and Evan Nolan look at the passing of Pete Retzlaff, Willie Davis, Howard Finkel, Stirling Moss, and the upcoming Notinhalloffame Basketball LIst Revisions.

Coming out of Grambling, Willie Davis joined the Green Bay Packers in 1960 and became the centerpiece of the Pack’s defensive line.  The number five has to be special to Davis, as he would win five NFL Championships, earn five Pro Bowls, and was chosen for five First Team All-Pros.