Davis went on in 1970 to hit a mixed .284 for 3 golf equipment, together with the Chicago Cubs, earlier than the Oakland A’s launched him, leaving Davis bitter. “No one will get launched after hitting .284; you ever hear of that?” he requested on the time. And his wage was lower in half in the identical yr, from $80,000 at its peak with the Cubs.
However destiny intervened when the American League adopted the designated hitter rule in 1973, changing the pitcher in a batting lineup. With the Orioles, his tenth staff in 15 seasons, Davis flourished because the full-time D.H., batting .306, the highest common within the league at that place. In 1974, he was as soon as once more the main designated hitter, ending with 181 hits and a .289 common.
“The designated hitter is caring for this outdated man,” Davis informed The Occasions. “It positive has helped me deliver house the paychecks.”
When he didn’t make the Yankees in 1976, he completed that season because the D.H. for the Kansas Metropolis Royals. In his closing sport, the 1,999th of his profession, in October, he had two singles and completed with a lifetime .294 batting common, 153 house runs, 1,052 RBIs, and a pair of,121 hits.
After retiring at age 36, Davis stayed near baseball, working with the Dodgers group relations division till shifting to Arizona a few yr in the past.
He’s survived by his second spouse, Carol A. Davis; 4 daughters, Morgana, Lauren, Carlyn and Leslie; a son, Herman; and quite a few grandchildren.
