PSA CardFacts:
Virgil Lawrence “Spud” Davis (December 20, 1904 - August 14, 1984) played in the shadow of Hall of Famers throughout his career, hitting behind slugger Chuck Klein in Philadelphia and sharing catching duties with Ernie Lombardi in Cincinnati and Al Lopez in Pittsburgh, not to mention following Frankie Frisch, though briefly, as the manager of the Pirates. Davis broke into the Major Leagues in 1928 with the St. Louis Cardinals (1928, 1934-1936), and played for the Phillies (1928-1933, 1938-1939), the Reds (1937-1938) and the Pirates (1940-1941, 1944-1945). Spud hit .300 or better in 10 of his 16 seasons in the Majors, either as a full or part-time player, including seven consecutive years (1929-1935) in Philadelphia and St. Louis. Davis finished second in batting average (.349) behind teammate Chuck Klein (.368) during the 1933 season. As he was recognized for his talents at the plate, Spud excelled behind the plate as well, leading all National League catchers in 1931 in assists, double plays in 1932 and total chances in 1934. He was a member of the Gashouse Gang in 1934 that captured the 1934 World Series. He retired with a.984 fielding percentage, 4,374 putouts and 684 assists. Spud Davis finished his career with 1,312 hits including 244 doubles and 77 home runs, 388 runs, 647 RBI and a .308 career batting average, still ranking fourth all-time in career batting averages for catchers.