gold star for USAHOF

13. Willie Davis

13. Willie Davis
  1. General
  2. Awards
  3. Career Stats
  • Born: April 15, 1940 in Mineral Springs, AR USA
  • Weight: 180 lbs.
  • Height: 6'2"
  • Bats: L
  • Throws: L
  • Debut: September 08, 1960
  • Final Game: September 30, 1979
  • Gold Glove - 1971
  • TSN All-Star - 1971
  • Gold Glove - 1972
  • Gold Glove - 1973
  • MVP - 1966
  • MVP - 1969
  • MVP - 1971
  • MVP - 1973
 
ABRHHRRBISBAVG
18348243451223642106796 0.279
 

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. 

The Bullet Points

  • Position: Outfield
  • Acquired: Signed as an Amateur Free Agent 6/20/58.
  • Departed: Traded to the Montreal Expos for Mike Marshall 12/5/73.
  • Games Played: 1,952
  • Notable Statistics:

    1,004 Runs Scored
    2,091 Hits
    321 Doubles
    110 Triples
    154 Home Runs
    849 RBI
    335 Stolen Bases
    .279/.312/.413 Slash Line
    54.7 bWAR

    15 Playoff Games
    5 Runs Scored
    9 Hits
    2 Doubles
    0 Triples
    0 Home Runs
    3 RBI
    3 Stolen Bases
    .167/.179/.204 Slash Line

  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    World Series Champion (1963 & 1965)
    All-Star (1971 & 1973)
    Gold Glove (1971, 1972 & 1973)
    Highest Defensive bWAR (1964)
    Most Triples (1962 & 1970)
    Most Total Zone Runs (1964)
    Most Putouts by a Centerfielder (1964 & 1971)
    Most Assists by a Centerfielder (1963 & 1964)
    Most Double Plays Turned by a Centerfielder (1963 & 1970)
    Most Putouts by an Outfielder (1964 & 1971)
    Most Total Zone Runs by a Centerfielder (1964, 1965 & 1972)
    Highest Range Factor per Game by a Centerfielder (1964)
    Highest Fielding Percentage by a Centerfielder (1970)
    Most Total Zone Runs by an Outfielder (1964 & 1972)
    Highest Range Factor per Game by an Outfielder (1964)

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