Former outfielder Tommy Davis died Sunday. There’s a great story about him joining the Dodgers:

Davis was set to sign with the Yankees in 1956 when a phone call from Jackie Robinson changed his mind.

Robinson was playing what would be his final season with the Dodgers that year when he called Davis’ house and encouraged him to sign with the Brooklyn organization. Scouting director Al Campanis knew Davis’ mother was a Dodgers fan.

“My mother wondered who was calling,” Davis said in 2019. “I pointed to the receiver and mouthed the words, ‘It’s Jackie Robinson!’ I couldn’t believe I was speaking to one of my heroes, although I don’t remember doing much talking.”

ESPN.com

My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

David peaked early, his best years coming in his age 23-25 seasons, which accounted for 12.7 of his career 20.5 WAR. He put the bat on the ball, neither walking nor striking out much. This led to high batting averages, but in years in which he failed to hit .300, his OBP tended to be low. His age 23 season in 1962 was the only season he showed high power, hitting 27 doubles, 27 homers, and nine triples. He led the majors in both hits and RBI that year.

He also hit .313 in five post-season series.