Cubs of Yore: Jody Davis

October 24, 2007 | Comments (1) | by The Hundley

Nickname: Catcher Extraordinaire

Played for The Cub: '81 to '87

Random Write-up: If you're a lifelong Cub fan and over the age of 25, you probably remember Harry Caray singing "Jodeeeee, Jooooo-dee Davis, hit one in the upper tierrrrr, Jodeeeee, Joooo-dee Davis, catcher extraordinaire!" Okay, maybe Harry was a better announcer than a lyricist, but his passion for the likeable Cub catcher matched that of the Cub faithful in Wrigley Field. Throughout the 1984 season and then for the rest of his Cub career, it was common to hear the "Jo-dy! Jo-dy!" chant ringing out when #7 stepped to the plate. Jody was one of the better Cub catchers of the last 30 years, being a two-time All Star ('84, '86) and a Gold Glove winner ('86). Jody was well-liked by fans because of his workmanlike attitude, and it showed in his abilities behind the plate. After being atrocious behind the plate early in his career, he parlayed his hard work into being a very serviceable catcher behind the plate. Jody was a pivotal part of the '84 Pennant winning team, hitting .256 with 19 homers and 94 RBI. In the post season, Jody really turned it on, hitting .389 with 2 homers and 6 RBI against the San Diego Padres. Had seasons of 12, 24, 19, 17, 21, 19 throughout his Cub career, catching nearly 1,000 games. A heck of a guy and a heck of a Cub.

What the hell?: In playing a difficult and rigorous position such as a catcher, Davis caught at least 125 games per year during his Cub tenure as starting catcher. Amazing as that is, it is more amazing that he never took a trip to the DL. Not once. In his Gold Glove season ('86), Jody gunned down 78 guys attempting to steal, good for a 48% success rate. As for the Harry song about him, it was sung to the tune of the Davy Crockett Theme Song (for you youngsters). Was also a redhead.

Also of Note: Career (estimated) earnings of $5.5 million. Was traded to the Atlanta Braves to make way for Damon Berryhill, allowing Jody to return home to his native Georgia. Has managed in the Cub organization for the Peoria Chiefs (where he was the coach of the All-Star team) and Daytona Cubs. Has been rumored to be a possible successor to Lou Piniella.

1 comments:

Justin L. Brown @ 10:56 AM, March 31, 2016
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