Doug Davis
Encyclopedia
Douglas N. "Doug" Davis (born September 21, 1975, in Sacramento, California
) is an American
professional baseball
pitcher
for the Chicago White Sox
of Major League Baseball
. He has previously played for the Texas Rangers
, Toronto Blue Jays
, Milwaukee Brewers
, Arizona Diamondbacks
, and Chicago Cubs
.
, California, and went to Northgate High School (Walnut Creek, California)
, where he played football and baseball. He was drafted
by the Los Angeles Dodgers
following his senior year in high school, but did not sign.
, where he played baseball. Later, he attended the City College of San Francisco
; he earned Second Team All-Conference honors as a pitcher in his junior season.
in the 10th round of the 1996 Major League Baseball Draft
.
Davis began his minor league career for the Texas Rangers rookie league affiliate, the Gulf Coast Rangers, in 1996 where he went 3-1 with a 1.90 ERA
in 8 games and 42 innings.
In 1997 Davis started his season with the Gulf Coast Rangers going 3-1 with a 1.70 ERA in 4 games before being promoted to the High-A Charlotte Rangers where he spent the rest of 1998 and 1998, going 16-10 over that period.
In 1999, Davis began the season in AA Tulsa posting an impressive 2.42 ERA over 74 1/3 innings with a record of 4-4, which earned him a promotion to the AAA Oklahoma RedHawks where he finished the season with a 7-0 record, 3.00 ERA.
Davis made his major league debut in 1999, and then spent time between AAA and the Major Leagues from 1999-2003 before becoming a full time major leaguer. going 17-6 during that period.
On Mother's Day
, May 14, 2006, Davis was one of more than 50 batters who brandished a pink bat
to benefit the Breast Cancer Foundation. As of August 29, 2006, he had 744 strikeouts. Davis made a brief appearance in 2005 as a potential home buyer on the A&E television program Flip This House episode "It's a Rat Race."
On November 25, 2006, Davis was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks
along with pitcher Dana Eveland
and outfielder Dave Krynzel
, for catcher Johnny Estrada
, and pitchers Greg Aquino
and Claudio Vargas
. the Diamondbacks and Doug Davis agreed to a three-year, $22 million deal.
In his first season for the Diamondbacks, Davis went 13-12 with a 4.25 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 192 2/3 innings.
On July 29, 2008, Davis took a perfect game into the bottom of the 7th inning at Petco Park.
. The contract pays $4.25 million in 2010 and had a $6.5 million mutual option for '11 with a $1 million buyout. Davis can also earn another another $1 million in incentives each season. Davis endured a rough season in 2010, making only 8 starts and going 1-4 with a 7.51 ERA. He spent most of the season on the disabled list. His option was declined after the season, making him a free agent.
. Davis' contract stipulates that if he is to join the Cubs major league squad this season, he would make $900,000 with possible bonuses that could bring his total salary to nearly $2 million dollars. The Cubs purchased his contract on May 14.
Davis was released on June 29 by the Cubs after going 1-7 with a 6.50 ERA in 9 starts.
He signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox
on July 15.
, an 80-84 mph fastball
and a strong 77-81 mph cutter which he uses as his out pitch. He is known for his windup, a slow process that could be compared to the "two-stage" motions many Japanese pitchers have used.
Davis is one of the worst hitters in baseball, sporting a career batting average of .077 in 287 at-bats, while recording 133 strikeouts at the plate as of April 15, 2008. He went 1-64 with a .016 average in 2004.
On March 28, 2008, Davis was diagnosed with thyroid cancer
. Davis made two starts in the regular 2008 season before having surgery to remove his thyroid, a procedure scheduled for April 10. Following surgery, Davis was given a radioactive iodine treatment to kill any remaining cancer. He was expected to take 4–6 weeks to recover, and doctors reported a 97% chance of full recovery.
On May 9, 2008, it was announced by the Diamondbacks that Davis had undergone a series of tests, the results of which indicated that he was, by then, cancer-free. He was expected to make two rehab starts in the minor leagues before returning to the Diamondbacks' Major League roster.
He returned to the Diamondbacks rotation on May 23, 2008 against the Atlanta Braves. He pitched seven innings, allowing only one run and striking out five in an 11-1 win for Arizona. His father was in the stands for his return.
Sacramento, California
Sacramento is the capital city of the U.S. state of California and the county seat of Sacramento County. It is located at the confluence of the Sacramento River and the American River in the northern portion of California's expansive Central Valley. With a population of 466,488 at the 2010 census,...
) is an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
for the Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
of Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
. He has previously played for the Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
, Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
, Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
, Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
, and Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
.
Youth
Davis was born in SacramentoSacramento, California
Sacramento is the capital city of the U.S. state of California and the county seat of Sacramento County. It is located at the confluence of the Sacramento River and the American River in the northern portion of California's expansive Central Valley. With a population of 466,488 at the 2010 census,...
, California, and went to Northgate High School (Walnut Creek, California)
Northgate High School (Walnut Creek, California)
Northgate High School is located in the affluent North Gate community of Walnut Creek, California, and is part of the Mount Diablo Unified School District. Opened in 1974, its name derives from its location at the north entrance of Mount Diablo State Park.- History :The movie The Principal was...
, where he played football and baseball. He was drafted
1993 Major League Baseball Draft
-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1993 Major League Baseball draft.-Compensation picks:-Other notable players:*Scott Rolen was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2nd round of the 1993 amateur draft....
by the Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
following his senior year in high school, but did not sign.
College
Davis then attended Diablo Valley CollegeDiablo Valley College
Diablo Valley College is a two-year community college in Pleasant Hill in Contra Costa County, California.DVC is one of three publicly supported two-year community colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District , and was first opened in 1949...
, where he played baseball. Later, he attended the City College of San Francisco
City College of San Francisco
City College of San Francisco, or CCSF, is a two-year community college in San Francisco, California. The Ocean Avenue campus, in the Ingleside neighborhood, is the college's primary location...
; he earned Second Team All-Conference honors as a pitcher in his junior season.
Minor league career
Davis was drafted by the Texas RangersTexas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
in the 10th round of the 1996 Major League Baseball Draft
1996 Major League Baseball Draft
The 1996 First-Year Player Draft, Major League Baseball's annual amateur draft of high school and college baseball players, was held on June 4 and 5, 1996...
.
Davis began his minor league career for the Texas Rangers rookie league affiliate, the Gulf Coast Rangers, in 1996 where he went 3-1 with a 1.90 ERA
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
in 8 games and 42 innings.
In 1997 Davis started his season with the Gulf Coast Rangers going 3-1 with a 1.70 ERA in 4 games before being promoted to the High-A Charlotte Rangers where he spent the rest of 1998 and 1998, going 16-10 over that period.
In 1999, Davis began the season in AA Tulsa posting an impressive 2.42 ERA over 74 1/3 innings with a record of 4-4, which earned him a promotion to the AAA Oklahoma RedHawks where he finished the season with a 7-0 record, 3.00 ERA.
Davis made his major league debut in 1999, and then spent time between AAA and the Major Leagues from 1999-2003 before becoming a full time major leaguer. going 17-6 during that period.
Major league career
Davis made his MLB debut on August 9, 1999 for the Rangers. Davis has played for the Rangers (career record 21-21 with the club), Toronto Blue Jays (career record 4-6) and the Milwaukee Brewers (career record 26-25).On Mother's Day
Mother's Day (United States)
In the United States, Mother's Day is an annual holiday celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Mother's Day recognizes mothers, motherhood and maternal bonds in general, as well the positive contributions that they make to society....
, May 14, 2006, Davis was one of more than 50 batters who brandished a pink bat
Pink bat
In baseball, pink bats are limited-supply baseball bats manufactured by Louisville Slugger for use by select Major League Baseball players on Mother's Day, first introduced in 2006 in association with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization...
to benefit the Breast Cancer Foundation. As of August 29, 2006, he had 744 strikeouts. Davis made a brief appearance in 2005 as a potential home buyer on the A&E television program Flip This House episode "It's a Rat Race."
On November 25, 2006, Davis was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
along with pitcher Dana Eveland
Dana Eveland
Dana James Eveland is a left-handed Major League Baseball starting pitcher with the Los Angeles Dodgers.Eveland throws a four-seam fastball, slider, changeup, and curveball. He is 6' 1" and weighs 230 pounds....
and outfielder Dave Krynzel
Dave Krynzel
David Benjamin Krynzel , is a Major League Baseball outfielder. He made his major league debut on September 1, ....
, for catcher Johnny Estrada
Johnny Estrada
Johnny Pulado Estrada III is a former American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks, Milwaukee Brewers and the Washington Nationals.Estrada was selected in the 17th round of the 1997 Major...
, and pitchers Greg Aquino
Greg Aquino
Gregori Emilio Aquino Valera is a Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently in the Chicago White Sox organization.Aquino was originally signed as a 16-year-old infielder in , by the Arizona Diamondbacks....
and Claudio Vargas
Claudio Vargas
Claudio Vargas Almonte is a former Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets, and Los Angeles Dodgers...
. the Diamondbacks and Doug Davis agreed to a three-year, $22 million deal.
In his first season for the Diamondbacks, Davis went 13-12 with a 4.25 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 192 2/3 innings.
On July 29, 2008, Davis took a perfect game into the bottom of the 7th inning at Petco Park.
2009
On August 12, Davis' former team, the Milwaukee Brewers, put a waiver claim on him, but he was not traded. Davis ended the season with a 9-14 record, with a 4.12 ERA and 1.505 WHIP. He tied for the major league lead in errors by a pitcher, with 5.2010
On January 22, 2010, Davis signed a one year contract with the Milwaukee BrewersMilwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
. The contract pays $4.25 million in 2010 and had a $6.5 million mutual option for '11 with a $1 million buyout. Davis can also earn another another $1 million in incentives each season. Davis endured a rough season in 2010, making only 8 starts and going 1-4 with a 7.51 ERA. He spent most of the season on the disabled list. His option was declined after the season, making him a free agent.
2011
On April 12, 2011, Davis signed a minor league contract with the Chicago CubsChicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
. Davis' contract stipulates that if he is to join the Cubs major league squad this season, he would make $900,000 with possible bonuses that could bring his total salary to nearly $2 million dollars. The Cubs purchased his contract on May 14.
Davis was released on June 29 by the Cubs after going 1-7 with a 6.50 ERA in 9 starts.
He signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
on July 15.
Pitching style
Davis mixes a slightly above-average 65-71 mph curveballCurveball
The curveball is a type of pitch in baseball thrown with a characteristic grip and hand movement that imparts forward spin to the ball causing it to dive in a downward path as it approaches the plate. Its close relatives are the slider and the slurve. The "curve" of the ball varies from pitcher to...
, an 80-84 mph fastball
Fastball
The fastball is the most common type of pitch in baseball. Some "power pitchers," such as Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens, have thrown it at speeds of 95–106 mph and up to 108.1 mph , relying purely on speed to prevent the ball from being hit...
and a strong 77-81 mph cutter which he uses as his out pitch. He is known for his windup, a slow process that could be compared to the "two-stage" motions many Japanese pitchers have used.
Davis is one of the worst hitters in baseball, sporting a career batting average of .077 in 287 at-bats, while recording 133 strikeouts at the plate as of April 15, 2008. He went 1-64 with a .016 average in 2004.
Personal life
Davis is married to Chantelle Renee Davis, formerly Chantelle Renee Ziemann. He has two children: a daughter Drew, and a son Jordan with his former wife. In his off time, he enjoys golf, chess, fishing, and spending time with his kids.On March 28, 2008, Davis was diagnosed with thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer
Thyroid neoplasm is a neoplasm or tumor of the thyroid. It can be a benign tumor such as thyroid adenoma, or it can be a malignant neoplasm , such as papillary, follicular, medullary or anaplastic thyroid cancer. Most patients are 25 to 65 years of age when first diagnosed; women are more affected...
. Davis made two starts in the regular 2008 season before having surgery to remove his thyroid, a procedure scheduled for April 10. Following surgery, Davis was given a radioactive iodine treatment to kill any remaining cancer. He was expected to take 4–6 weeks to recover, and doctors reported a 97% chance of full recovery.
On May 9, 2008, it was announced by the Diamondbacks that Davis had undergone a series of tests, the results of which indicated that he was, by then, cancer-free. He was expected to make two rehab starts in the minor leagues before returning to the Diamondbacks' Major League roster.
He returned to the Diamondbacks rotation on May 23, 2008 against the Atlanta Braves. He pitched seven innings, allowing only one run and striking out five in an 11-1 win for Arizona. His father was in the stands for his return.