Jacke Davis
Encyclopedia
Jacke Sylvesta Davis often misspelled "Jack" Davis, is a retired professional baseball
outfielder
who spent eight season in professional baseball, including part of a season in Major League Baseball
with the Philadelphia Phillies
. After his playing career was over, Davis became a coach
at Carthage High School
and later Panola College
. Over his major league career, Davis batted
.213 with nine runs
, 16 hits
, one triples
, one home run
, six runs batted in (RBI), and one stolen base
in 48 games played
. Davis played 26 games in the outfield, and spent the rest of his playing time pinch hitting
.
For the majority of his career, Davis played in minor league baseball
. He made his professional debut with the Class-B High Point-Thomasville Hi-Toms in 1958. Davis then moved-up the organization, making stops at the Class-A Williamsport Grays
(1959) and the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons
(1960–1962) until he was called-up to the major league Philadelphia Phillies in 1962. After playing his only season in the majors, Davis continued to play in the minors with the Triple-A Atlanta Crackers
of the St. Louis Cardinals
organization (1963); the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, this time affiliated with the New York Mets
(1963); the Triple-A Tacoma Giants
in the San Francisco Giants
organization (1963); the Triple-A Denver Bears in the Milwaukee Braves organization (1964); and the Triple-A Oklahoma City 89ers, and the Double-A San Antonio Bullets in the Houston Colt .45s organization.
as an amateur free agent
out of Baylor University
. He was originally assigned to the Triple-A Miami Marlins
of the International League
, however, he began the season with the Class-B High Point-Thomasville Hi-Toms. Davis was a "bonus baby" meaning that he had to be kept on the Phillies 40-man roster due to the size of his contract. Davis suffered a broken ankle
during a collision in spring training
. During his first professional season, Davis batted .302 with 118 hits
, 21 doubles
, one triples
, and 25 home runs in 106 games. Davis led the team in batting average, and home runs. He was tied for first in the Carolina League
in home runs, and was third in batting average. In 1959, Davis was assigned to the Class-A Williamsport Grays
. On the season, he batted .291 with 148 hits, 30 doubles, three triples, and 33 home runs in 139 games played. Davis led the Eastern League in home runs, a pace he had been on since at least mid-August.
Davis was promoted to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons
of the International League
in 1960. With the Bisons, Davis batted .237 with 39 runs
, 87 hits, 14 doubles, one triple, 18 home runs, 58 runs batted in (RBIs), and three stolen bases. He was tied for first on the Buffalo team in home runs. In 1961, Davis continued to play at the Triple-A level with the Bisons. On the season, he batted .303 with 65 runs, 131 hits, 31 doubles, five triples, 16 home runs, and 72 RBIs in 123 games. Davis was second on the team in doubles, triples, and RBIs. Before the start of the 1962 season, The Associated Press speculated that Davis would have a good chance at making the Phillies roster. Davis made his major league debut on April 19, 1962 against the Pittsburgh Pirates
and went hitless in one at-bat. His first hit, a triple, came against the New York Mets
on April 29. Davis' last game in the majors was on July 19. On the season, he batted .213 with nine runs, 16 hits, one triple, one home run, six RBIs, and one stolen base in 48 games. On the defensive end, Davis played 16 games in left field, seven games in right field, and five games in center field, and committed two errors
in 26 total chances
. After his stint with the Phillies, Davis was sent to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons where he batted .244 with 33 runs, 47 hits, 11 doubles, one triple, 14 home runs, 31 RBIs, and two stolen bases.
Earl Averill, Jr.
There were reportedly "contract difficulties" between the Angels and Davis, however, they worked it out and he agreed to terms on a contract in February. On March 29, 1963, the Angels traded Davis to the San Francisco Giants
for first baseman
Charlie Dees
. Davis started the season with the Triple-A Tacoma Giants
. With the Giants, he batted .174 with 29 hits, seven doubles, five home runs, and 17 RBIs in 56 games. In May, Davis joined the New York Mets organization and was assigned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. On July 29, Davis was sent to the St. Louis Cardinals
with cash considerations in exchange for outfielder Duke Carmel
. Davis was then assigned to the Triple-A Atlanta Crackers
in the Cardinals organization. Between the Bisons and Crackers, he batted .214 with 15 runs, 24 hits, two doubles, one triple, five home runs, and 13 RBIs in 43 games. In 1964, his last season in professional baseball, Davis split the season between the Triple-A Oklahoma City 89ers and the Double-A San Antonio Bullets in the Houston Colt .45s organization; and the Triple-A Denver Bears in the Milwaukee Braves organization. On the season, Davis batted a combined .143 with 18 runs, 28 hits, four doubles, six home runs, and 21 RBIs in 76 games between the 89ers, Bullets, and Bears.
baseball at Carthage High School
in his hometown of Carthage, Texas
. He spent nine seasons at the helm of the baseball program there until 1981 where he took a position at Panola College
. During his time at Panola College, Davis won the conference coach of the year five times; coached the team to eight conference championship; and nine appearances in the National Junior College Athletic Association
regional playoffs. He compiled a record of 501 wins
and 292 losses. Davis coached 118 players who went on to sign with universities, 38 players who were drafted in the Major League Baseball Draft, and five players who went on to play in Major League Baseball
. After his coaching tenure that went from 1982 to 1996 was over, Davis was elected to the Panola College Athletic Hall of Fame.
Professional baseball
Baseball is a team sport which is played by several professional leagues throughout the world. In these leagues, and associated farm teams, players are selected for their talents and are paid to play for a specific team or club system....
outfielder
Outfielder
Outfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
who spent eight season in professional baseball, including part of a season in 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...
with the Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
. After his playing career was over, Davis became a coach
Coach (baseball)
In baseball, a number of coaches assist in the smooth functioning of a team. They are assistants to the manager, or head coach, who determines the lineup and decides how to substitute players during the game...
at Carthage High School
Carthage High School (Carthage, Texas)
Carthage High School is a public secondary school located in Carthage, Texas.The school serves about 800 students in grades nine through twelve and is part of the Carthage Independent School District.- Athletics :Sports offered at CHS are:*Football...
and later Panola College
Panola College
Panola College is a community college located in Carthage, Texas. The name derives from Panola County, Texas, of which Carthage is the county seat.As defined by the Texas Legislature, the official service area of Panola College is the following:...
. Over his major league career, Davis batted
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
.213 with nine runs
Run (baseball)
In baseball, a run is scored when a player advances around first, second and third base and returns safely to home plate, touching the bases in that order, before three outs are recorded and all obligations to reach base safely on batted balls are met or assured...
, 16 hits
Hit (baseball)
In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
, one triples
Triple (baseball)
In baseball, a triple is the act of a batter safely reaching third base after hitting the ball, with neither the benefit of a fielder's misplay nor another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
, one home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
, six runs batted in (RBI), and one stolen base
Stolen base
In baseball, a stolen base occurs when a baserunner successfully advances to the next base while the pitcher is delivering the ball to home plate...
in 48 games played
Games played
Games played is a statistic used in team sports to indicate the total number of games in which a player has participated ; the statistic is generally applied irrespective of whatever portion of the game is contested.-Baseball:In baseball, the statistic applies also to players who, prior to a game,...
. Davis played 26 games in the outfield, and spent the rest of his playing time pinch hitting
Pinch hitter
In baseball, a pinch hitter is a substitute batter. Batters can be substituted at any time while the ball is dead ; the manager may use any player that has not yet entered the game as a substitute...
.
For the majority of his career, Davis played in minor league baseball
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
. He made his professional debut with the Class-B High Point-Thomasville Hi-Toms in 1958. Davis then moved-up the organization, making stops at the Class-A Williamsport Grays
Williamsport Grays
*Location: Williamsport, Pennsylvania*League: New York-Penn League 1924-1937; Eastern League 1938-1942, 1944–1946, 1950, 1954–1956, 1958–1962...
(1959) and the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons
Buffalo Bisons
The Buffalo Bisons are a minor league baseball team based in Buffalo, New York. They currently play in the International League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets...
(1960–1962) until he was called-up to the major league Philadelphia Phillies in 1962. After playing his only season in the majors, Davis continued to play in the minors with the Triple-A Atlanta Crackers
Atlanta Crackers
The Atlanta Crackers were minor league baseball teams based in Atlanta, Georgia, between 1901 and 1965. The Crackers were Atlanta's home team until the Atlanta Braves moved from Milwaukee in 1966....
of the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
organization (1963); the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, this time affiliated with the New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
(1963); the Triple-A Tacoma Giants
Tacoma Rainiers
The Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
in the San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
organization (1963); the Triple-A Denver Bears in the Milwaukee Braves organization (1964); and the Triple-A Oklahoma City 89ers, and the Double-A San Antonio Bullets in the Houston Colt .45s organization.
Philadelphia Phillies
At the age of 22, Davis was signed by the Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
as an amateur free agent
Free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
out of Baylor University
Baylor University
Baylor University is a private, Christian university located in Waco, Texas. Founded in 1845, Baylor is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.-History:...
. He was originally assigned to the Triple-A Miami Marlins
Miami Marlins (IL)
The Miami Marlins was the name of a Class AAA American minor league baseball franchise based in Miami, Florida, that played in the International League from 1956 through 1960.The Marlins were a transplanted version of the original Syracuse Chiefs...
of the International League
International League
The International League is a minor league baseball league that operates in the eastern United States. Like the Pacific Coast League and the Mexican League, it plays at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It was so named because it had teams in both the United States...
, however, he began the season with the Class-B High Point-Thomasville Hi-Toms. Davis was a "bonus baby" meaning that he had to be kept on the Phillies 40-man roster due to the size of his contract. Davis suffered a broken ankle
Ankle
The ankle joint is formed where the foot and the leg meet. The ankle, or talocrural joint, is a synovial hinge joint that connects the distal ends of the tibia and fibula in the lower limb with the proximal end of the talus bone in the foot...
during a collision in spring training
Spring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
. During his first professional season, Davis batted .302 with 118 hits
Hit (baseball)
In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
, 21 doubles
Double (baseball)
In baseball, a double is the act of a batter striking the pitched ball and safely reaching second base without being called out by the umpire, without the benefit of a fielder's misplay or another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
, one triples
Triple (baseball)
In baseball, a triple is the act of a batter safely reaching third base after hitting the ball, with neither the benefit of a fielder's misplay nor another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
, and 25 home runs in 106 games. Davis led the team in batting average, and home runs. He was tied for first in the Carolina League
Carolina League
The Carolina League is a minor league baseball affiliation which operates in the South Atlantic Coast of the United States. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth...
in home runs, and was third in batting average. In 1959, Davis was assigned to the Class-A Williamsport Grays
Williamsport Grays
*Location: Williamsport, Pennsylvania*League: New York-Penn League 1924-1937; Eastern League 1938-1942, 1944–1946, 1950, 1954–1956, 1958–1962...
. On the season, he batted .291 with 148 hits, 30 doubles, three triples, and 33 home runs in 139 games played. Davis led the Eastern League in home runs, a pace he had been on since at least mid-August.
Davis was promoted to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons
Buffalo Bisons
The Buffalo Bisons are a minor league baseball team based in Buffalo, New York. They currently play in the International League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets...
of the International League
International League
The International League is a minor league baseball league that operates in the eastern United States. Like the Pacific Coast League and the Mexican League, it plays at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It was so named because it had teams in both the United States...
in 1960. With the Bisons, Davis batted .237 with 39 runs
Run (baseball)
In baseball, a run is scored when a player advances around first, second and third base and returns safely to home plate, touching the bases in that order, before three outs are recorded and all obligations to reach base safely on batted balls are met or assured...
, 87 hits, 14 doubles, one triple, 18 home runs, 58 runs batted in (RBIs), and three stolen bases. He was tied for first on the Buffalo team in home runs. In 1961, Davis continued to play at the Triple-A level with the Bisons. On the season, he batted .303 with 65 runs, 131 hits, 31 doubles, five triples, 16 home runs, and 72 RBIs in 123 games. Davis was second on the team in doubles, triples, and RBIs. Before the start of the 1962 season, The Associated Press speculated that Davis would have a good chance at making the Phillies roster. Davis made his major league debut on April 19, 1962 against the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
and went hitless in one at-bat. His first hit, a triple, came against the New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
on April 29. Davis' last game in the majors was on July 19. On the season, he batted .213 with nine runs, 16 hits, one triple, one home run, six RBIs, and one stolen base in 48 games. On the defensive end, Davis played 16 games in left field, seven games in right field, and five games in center field, and committed two errors
Error (baseball)
In baseball statistics, an error is the act, in the judgment of the official scorer, of a fielder misplaying a ball in a manner that allows a batter or baserunner to reach one or more additional bases, when such an advance would have been prevented given ordinary effort by the fielder.The term ...
in 26 total chances
Total chances
In baseball statistics, total chances , also called chances offered, represents the number of plays in which a defensive player has participated. It is calculated as follows: Total Chances = assists + putouts + errors. Chances accepted refers to the total of putouts and assists only. Fielding...
. After his stint with the Phillies, Davis was sent to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons where he batted .244 with 33 runs, 47 hits, 11 doubles, one triple, 14 home runs, 31 RBIs, and two stolen bases.
Later career
On December 11, 1962, the Philadelphia Phillies traded Davis to the Los Angeles Angels for catcherCatcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
Earl Averill, Jr.
Earl Averill, Jr.
Earl Douglas Averill, Jr. , is a former professional baseball player who played catcher in the Major Leagues from 1956-1963. He played for the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Philadelphia Phillies, and Cleveland Indians.-External links:...
There were reportedly "contract difficulties" between the Angels and Davis, however, they worked it out and he agreed to terms on a contract in February. On March 29, 1963, the Angels traded Davis to the San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
for first baseman
First baseman
First base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run for that player's team...
Charlie Dees
Charlie Dees
Charles Henry Dees is a retired professional baseball player who played 3 seasons for the Los Angeles and California Angels of Major League Baseball.-References:...
. Davis started the season with the Triple-A Tacoma Giants
Tacoma Rainiers
The Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
. With the Giants, he batted .174 with 29 hits, seven doubles, five home runs, and 17 RBIs in 56 games. In May, Davis joined the New York Mets organization and was assigned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. On July 29, Davis was sent to the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
with cash considerations in exchange for outfielder Duke Carmel
Duke Carmel
Leon James "Duke" Carmel is a former professional baseball player. He played all or part of four seasons in Major League Baseball, between 1959 and 1965, for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, and New York Yankees, primarily as an outfielder.-External links:...
. Davis was then assigned to the Triple-A Atlanta Crackers
Atlanta Crackers
The Atlanta Crackers were minor league baseball teams based in Atlanta, Georgia, between 1901 and 1965. The Crackers were Atlanta's home team until the Atlanta Braves moved from Milwaukee in 1966....
in the Cardinals organization. Between the Bisons and Crackers, he batted .214 with 15 runs, 24 hits, two doubles, one triple, five home runs, and 13 RBIs in 43 games. In 1964, his last season in professional baseball, Davis split the season between the Triple-A Oklahoma City 89ers and the Double-A San Antonio Bullets in the Houston Colt .45s organization; and the Triple-A Denver Bears in the Milwaukee Braves organization. On the season, Davis batted a combined .143 with 18 runs, 28 hits, four doubles, six home runs, and 21 RBIs in 76 games between the 89ers, Bullets, and Bears.
Coaching career
After his playing career was over, Davis coachedCoach (baseball)
In baseball, a number of coaches assist in the smooth functioning of a team. They are assistants to the manager, or head coach, who determines the lineup and decides how to substitute players during the game...
baseball at Carthage High School
Carthage High School (Carthage, Texas)
Carthage High School is a public secondary school located in Carthage, Texas.The school serves about 800 students in grades nine through twelve and is part of the Carthage Independent School District.- Athletics :Sports offered at CHS are:*Football...
in his hometown of Carthage, Texas
Carthage, Texas
Carthage is a city in Panola County, Texas, United States. The population was 6,664 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Panola County, and is situated in East Texas near the Louisiana state line.-Geography:...
. He spent nine seasons at the helm of the baseball program there until 1981 where he took a position at Panola College
Panola College
Panola College is a community college located in Carthage, Texas. The name derives from Panola County, Texas, of which Carthage is the county seat.As defined by the Texas Legislature, the official service area of Panola College is the following:...
. During his time at Panola College, Davis won the conference coach of the year five times; coached the team to eight conference championship; and nine appearances in the National Junior College Athletic Association
National Junior College Athletic Association
The National Junior College Athletic Association , founded in 1938, is an association of community college and junior college athletic departments throughout the United States. It is held as Divisions and Regions. The current NJCAA holds 24 separate regions.-History:The idea for the NJCAA was...
regional playoffs. He compiled a record of 501 wins
Win (baseball)
In professional baseball, there are two types of decisions: a win and a loss . In each game, one pitcher on the winning team is awarded a win and one pitcher on the losing team is given a loss in their respective statistics. These pitchers are collectively known as the pitchers of record. Only...
and 292 losses. Davis coached 118 players who went on to sign with universities, 38 players who were drafted in the Major League Baseball Draft, and five players who went on to play in 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...
. After his coaching tenure that went from 1982 to 1996 was over, Davis was elected to the Panola College Athletic Hall of Fame.