Eric Davis: The Sensational Cincinnati Reds Outfielder of the 1980s

The Incredible Career of Eric Davis

Eric Davis burst onto the Major League Baseball scene in the mid-1980s as a dynamic young outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds. With his athleticism, power hitting ability, and blazing speed on the base paths, Davis became one of the most exciting players in the game during his peak years with the Reds.

Early Life and Career

Eric Davis was born on May 29, 1962 in Los Angeles, California. Davis was a multi-sport star athlete at John C. Fremont High School, earning All-City honors in baseball, basketball, and football. After high school, Davis was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 8th round of the 1980 MLB Draft.

Davis quickly rose through the Reds' minor league system, showing off an intriguing combination of home run power and base stealing ability. He made his MLB debut in 1984 at the age of 22, appearing in 39 games for the Reds and hitting .271/.326/.469 with 4 home runs and 5 stolen bases.

Breakout Season in 1986

After splitting time between the majors and minors in his first two seasons, Davis broke out as a star in 1986. That year, he played in 138 games for the Reds, hitting .277/.378/.523 with 27 home runs, 80 RBIs, and an incredible 80 stolen bases.

Davis' rare combination of power and speed had many drawing comparisons to Willie Mays. His 80 steals established a new Reds franchise record, breaking Pete Rose's previous record of 79 set in 1973. Davis was named to the National League All-Star team for the first of what would be two consecutive selections.

MVP Caliber Season in 1987

Davis followed up his breakout 1986 campaign with an even better season in 1987. Playing in 129 games, he hit .293/.399/.593 with 37 home runs, 100 RBIs, and 50 stolen bases. His stellar play earned him a Silver Slugger Award and a Gold Glove in center field.

According to Wins Above Replacement (WAR), Davis was the most valuable player in the National League in 1987 with a tally of 9.0 WAR. However, Giants star Will Clark took home MVP honors that year largely due to his higher batting average and RBI totals playing in a more hitter-friendly home ballpark.

World Series Appearance in 1990

After two injury-plagued seasons in 1988 and 1989, Davis returned healthy in 1990 to help lead the Reds to a World Series championship. That year, he hit .279/.389/.476 with 21 home runs and 25 stolen bases during the regular season.

In the NLCS against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Davis hit .417 with 2 home runs, 8 RBIs, and a memorable catch in Game 2 to rob Carmelo Martinez of a home run. The Reds went on to sweep the heavily favored Oakland Athletics in the World Series, with Davis contributing a home run in Game 2.

Final Years in Cincinnati

Davis continued to produce as one of the game's premier power-speed threats from 1991 to 1993. However, injuries began taking their toll, limiting him to an average of only 108 games played per season over that span.

Prior to the 1994 season, the Reds traded Davis to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Tim Belcher and John Wetteland. This ended his hugely successful run in Cincinnati, where he accumulated over 1,000 hits and 200 home runs in 9 seasons.

Legacy with the Reds

Though injuries ultimately cut his career short, Eric Davis put together some astounding seasons for the Reds in the 1980s and early 1990s. His combination of power hitting and base stealing made him a dynamic force in the Cincinnati lineup.

Franchise Records

Davis set several franchise records during his Reds career:

• Most stolen bases in a single season: 80 (1986)
• Most home runs by a center fielder: 203
• Most runs scored by a center fielder: 776
• Highest slugging % by a center fielder: .520

Highlight Moments

Some of Davis' most memorable moments with the Reds include:

• Hitting a game-winning homer off Dodgers' closer Tom Niedenfuer in Game 4 of the 1985 NLCS.
• Hitting the division clinching grand slam off the Padres' Goose Gossage in 1987.
• His running catch to rob Pedro Guerrero of extra bases in Game 1 of the 1990 NLCS.

Honors

Over his Reds career, Davis racked up several prestigious honors:

• 2x All-Star (1986, 1987)
• 3x Gold Glove Award winner (1986-1988)
• 3x Silver Slugger Award winner (1986-1988)
• 1987 NL home run leader
• 1987 NL stolen base leader

Life after Baseball

After leaving baseball in 1994, Eric Davis overcame colon cancer and later became an inspirational speaker about his battle with the disease. He also spent several seasons as a hitting coach in the Reds and Giants organizations.

Davis was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 2005. Though injuries hampered the longevity of his career, he will always be remembered as one of the most exciting and versatile players in Cincinnati Reds history.

FAQs

What years did Eric Davis play for the Reds?

Eric Davis played for the Cincinnati Reds from 1984 to 1993. He made his MLB debut with the Reds in 1984 and was later traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers after the 1993 season.

What was Eric Davis' best season?

Statistically, Davis' best season was 1987 when he hit .293 with 37 home runs, 100 RBIs, and 50 stolen bases. He led the NL in homers and steals that year and had an impressive 9.0 WAR.

What speed and power records did Davis set?

In 1986, Davis set a new Reds franchise record with 80 stolen bases in a season. He also holds the Reds records for most homers (203) and runs scored (776) by a center fielder.

How did Davis perform in the 1990 World Series?

Davis helped the Reds sweep the Oakland A's in the 1990 World Series. He hit .294 with a home run and 5 RBIs over the four game series.

What awards and honors did Eric Davis receive?

Davis was a 2-time All-Star, 3-time Gold Glove winner, and 3-time Silver Slugger Award winner. He was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 2005.