O/T: Willie Davis dead

[Rich Klein]

My first thought was of the FB HOFer Willie Davis, who became big as the proverbial house upon completion of his career. I never thought the BB player would go first

[bigtrain]

My first World Series game. Game 2 1963. Top of the first. Wills singled and stole second. Gilliam singled. Willie Davis doubled scoring them both. The only two runs the Dodgers needed. Podres was sharp. Dodgers won 4-1. A sad day for a kid who was a Yankee fan but great memories. Thanks, Willie.

[onlychild]

I have always thought that the 1962 Bell Brand card of Davis is one best card pics ever...right up there with the 53 Reese IMHO.

Kevin Saucier

[teetwoohsix]

RIP Willie

[base_ball]

One of my favorite opposing players to watch ever. When I was a really little boy, I naively thought two things: 1. He and Tommy Davis were brothers. And 2. All great centerfielders were named "Willie". If he'd had some plate discipline he would've been a great hitter. Still, he was a very good hitter: not too many get 2500 hits. Then there was that short comeback after a few years away from the game. I love guys that do that.

[nolemmings]

My first memory of Willie was my dad cussing him out for three errors in one inning in the '66 World Series. I always thought that an outfielder making three errors in one inning was remarkable, so I suppose my recollection of him is less "happy" than most, but he always was an excellent player, and as my dad conceded, the Dodgers weren't going to win that Series anyway.

[Chris-Counts]

"I have always thought that the 1962 Bell Brand card of Davis is one best card pics ever...right up there with the 53 Reese IMHO."

I agree, Kevin. The interesting thing about the '62 Bell Brand photo is that Willie wasn't much of a bunter. I can't recall how many times I read that something like, "If he ever learns to drag bunt, he'll win a batting title." And yet he of all players gets the best bunting photo ever ...