Eric Davis Makes History with Stunning Comeback in Cincinnati
The Cincinnati Reds made a pivotal choice in the 1980 MLB Draft when they selected Eric Davis in the eighth round. What followed was a remarkable transformation of a young athlete into a five-tool player, a rare breed in baseball even today. Davis made his Major League debut on May 19, 1984, and quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Reds, showcasing a blend of speed, defense, and power that would define his career.
A Stellar Career on the Rise
From 1984 to 1991, Davis’s performance painted a picture of a player on a Hall of Fame trajectory. He compiled an impressive 27.5 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), belting 177 home runs while stealing 247 bases. His accolades included five MVP votes, three consecutive Gold Glove Awards, a Home Run Derby title, two Silver Slugger Awards, and selection as an All-Star twice. However, the narrative took a turn as injuries began to plague his career.
In November 1991, the Reds opted to trade Davis to the Dodgers, receiving pitchers Tim Belcher and John Wetteland in return. The ensuing years were tough for Davis; between 1992 and 1994, he appeared in only 244 games and struggled at the plate, hitting just 28 home runs and falling below average in batting statistics. The 1995 season saw him sidelined entirely due to injury.
A Triumphant Return
On this date in 1996, a cherished figure returned to Cincinnati. Davis signed a one-year deal with the Reds, a comeback that captivated fans eager for his return after a season spent recovering from injury. The seasoned veteran did not disappoint. He posted an impressive season, hitting 26 home runs, stealing 23 bases, and driving in 83 runs. His performance earned him the Sporting News National League Comeback Player of the Year Award, a testament to his resilience.
At 34, Davis delivered a slash line of .287/.394/.523, complemented by a 140 OPS+. This season marked his final chapter with the Reds, but it was not the end of his baseball journey. He continued to play for five more seasons, making stops with the Baltimore Orioles, St. Louis Cardinals, and San Francisco Giants.
Overcoming Adversity
Tragedy struck in 1997 when Davis was diagnosed with colon cancer while with the Orioles. He recounted the moment he first felt something was wrong after a collision at home plate in Cleveland. “I ran into the catcher and had a play at the plate in Cleveland. I felt some pain in my side and lower back,” he shared in a poignant interview. After seeking a second opinion at Johns Hopkins Hospital, he faced the harsh reality of a grapefruit-sized tumor in his colon.
At just 34 years old, Davis battled colorectal cancer. Following the removal of the tumor and 32 weeks of chemotherapy, he astoundingly returned to the diamond with the Orioles, defying the odds and showcasing his indomitable spirit.
A Lasting Legacy
In 2005, the Reds honored Davis by inducting him into their Hall of Fame, celebrating a player whose impact extended far beyond the statistics. Today, he serves as a Special Assistant in Player Development, mentoring young talent and nurturing the future of the organization. Eric Davis’s journey—marked by triumphs, challenges, and an unyielding spirit—remains an inspiring chapter in the annals of Cincinnati baseball.
