Cincinnati Reds: Eric Davis and his great 1989 season

The Cincinnati Reds’ best center fielder

The great outfielder Eric Davis had a career year for the Cincinnati Reds in 1989. He was the first 30-30 hitter. Furthermore, he had 144 home runs after that season. Also, Davis cemented himself as one of Cincy’s greatest hitters. He hit .281 with 34 home runs and 101 RBIs. The center fielder showcased his speed and power to the full extent.

The outfielder made his name in the MLB by adding speed to his powerful bat. Not only did he mash 144 bombs after 1989, but he also stole 212 bags up to that year as well. The right handed hitter also showed off how he could hit for average, with his BABIP at .297. That stat shows that he did encounter some bad luck at the dish.

One great Davis quote: ” I love the game, it’s the greatest game on earth, that’s why I can’t understand all of this talk about trying to make the game better. People talk about the high strike zone and changing this and that. Why? To speed up the game? That’s the beauty of baseball. There is no time element.”

This goes to show that Davis’s ability was timeless, and that he has adapted to the changes in the game. Also, he has put up the numbers to enforce that.

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The Cincinnati Reds’ outfielder had a career year

Eric Davis had a career year in 1989. Furthermore, he accumulated a 3.1 WAR that year. His Off statistic was at 31.4, which was the second best in his time in the MLB. Also, his strikeout percentage was one of the lowest in his playing days at 21.4%. He was able to keep the ball in play more often and square up pitches.

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Although, there were other outfielders that had a better year. The legendary Tim Raines racked up a 3.9 WAR that year. He was also a better baserunner than Davis at 4.4 BsR. Another great outfielder named Ricky Henderson also had a better year. The stolen base king hit .274 with 12 home runs and 57 RBIs. That year, he also nabbed 77 bases and accumulated an 8.4 WAR. But other than that, Davis had one of the best seasons as an outfielder.

Overall outlook

Eric Davis was one of the best center fielders in Reds’ history. He furthered that by his monumental year in 1989. The Fremont High School product implanted himself as  the first 30-30 player. He was one of Cincy’s most well rounded hitters and will continue to be historically. His career totals are 282 home runs, 934 RBIs, and 1430 career hits.

One more defining quote: “I don’t listen to what people say about me and I don’t read what people write about me. People can compare me to anyone they want to, but I’m not going to worry about it.”

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Speaking of comparisons, Davis is probably the best all-around center fielder in Reds’ history even if he wasn’t quite the defensive center fielder that Billy Hamilton is now.